You've probably heard that vitamin D is important for children's health.. Often referred to as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and supports the development of healthy bones and teeth.. Low vitamin D has also been linked to a number of health conditions, including autoimmune disease, mental illness, cardiovascular disease, tumors and diabetes, according to Pannochka, an online publication for girls and women aged 14 to 35.. net The body produces vitamin D naturally in response to UV radiation from the sun. But most Canadians don't get enough sunlight, especially in winter, to produce healthy levels of vitamin D.. Therefore, the WHO recommends using both diet and supplements to make sure your child is getting enough vitamin D..

Is food a good source of vitamin D for babies and children?

Child eats an apple in a grocery basket. Stop feeling bad about giving your kids non-organic strawberries and apples. Some foods, such as salmon, canned tuna, mushrooms, broccoli, kale, and spinach, contain vitamin D, while others, such as milk and milk alternatives, are fortified with it.. Studies show that children who drink more milk tend to have higher levels of vitamin D, and fortified drinks may be an adequate source of vitamin D for children if the child consumes enough daily.. If your child drinks vitamin D-fortified drinks at least once a day, their vitamin D levels are likely to be within the normal range..

When it comes to children. Infant formula contains vitamin D, but the level of vitamin D in breast milk depends on the vitamin status of the mother, and most breastfed babies do not get enough of this vitamin through breast milk alone..

What is the correct dose of vitamin D for infants and children?

While it is possible to get vitamin D naturally and from fortified foods, the reality is that most people do not get enough and need to take supplements..

The WHO recommends 400 IU per day for breastfed children under 12 months of age and 600 IU per day for children and adults aged 1 to 70 years. These recommendations are well below the tolerable upper intake levels for each age group..

Because infant formula already contains vitamin D, infants receiving formula may not need vitamin D supplementation.. Check with your healthcare provider as there is a small risk of getting too much vitamin D, which can cause vitamin D toxicity if a formula-fed baby is given an extra supplement.

What is the best way to supplement vitamin D intake for infants and children?

There are many different types of vitamin D supplements, including tablets, gums, and drops, for parents to choose from..

Drops are the easiest way to get kids to take vitamin D. Instead of a gum or pill, it's a tiny drop designed for a certain age..

Gummies are another good option if your little one prefers them..

For babies, parents are advised to put drops on the nipple and let the baby suck on it for at least 30 seconds.. If your baby is not using a pacifier, you can place a drop on the breast during feeding, on the nipple from the baby's bottle, or directly into the mouth.

For older kids, it's as easy as putting a drop under the tongue - it's a quick and easy thing to help your child stay healthy..

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