Vitamin D is one of the essential micronutrients for healthy bones. It is extremely important for the body to absorb and use calcium. Vitamin C is essential at every stage of life, especially for growing infants, pregnant women as well as nursing mothers.
The sun is the most important source of vitamin D. Most people get little amount of this micronutrient from diet. Very few foods contain significant amount of vitamin D, such as eggs and oily fish. Other sources include cow’s milk, yogurt and breakfast cereals.
Sunshine is the chief source of vitamin D. You can make enough amount of vitamin D in your skin simply by exposure to sunlight. Therefore, in most parts of the UK from November to March, your body fails to make vitamin D due to lack of sunshine.
Vitamin D daily dose for children
Typically, a daily dose of 400 IU (International Units) of Vitamin D is considered safe for all age groups. It is consistent with the guidelines of the UK health department. Children might require a vitamin D daily dose of 10 micrograms (400 IU).
Pregnant women and nursing mothers should take 400 IU vitamin D daily. If a nursing mother did not take vitamin D supplements, or is known to have vitamin D deficiency, her baby is started with vitamin D supplement soon after birth. The recommend vitamin D daily dose for babies is 300 to 400 IU.
There are two types of vitamin D viz. vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (Colecalciferol). Vitamin D2 is actually a plant product, while vitamin D3 is obtained from mammals and fish.
Vitamin D drops such as Colief Vitamin D3 Drops can be useful for babies to promote healthy bones and teeth. You can buy this vitamin D supplement through Pharmacy Outlet.
Most babies and children do not need blood test or medical assessment to evaluate vitamin D deficiency. Experts advise that children should get the nutrient from sun, diet or supplement.
If a child is at the risk of vitamin D deficiency, medical assessment is required.