Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps a child's body absorb phosphate and calcium, a mineral her bones need to stay strong and grow properly. It also helps children's cells to thrive, benefiting their overall growth. Vitamin D may also help grow strong muscles and reduce fatigue in kids with deficiencies. According to the National Institutes of Health, it plays a role in regulating genes responsible for maintaining the lifespan of cells and increases circulating insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1). In addition to helping calcium absorption and secreting insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), vitamin D plays an important role in children’s health overall.
HOW MUCH VITAMIN D DOES YOUR CHILD NEED?
Vitamin D is measured in international units (IU).
Bone formation occurs at a fast rate during childhood, slowing down after age 20, according to the National Institutes of Health. When she takes in an adequate amount of vitamin D and calcium, her body stores extra calcium in her blood so that it can replenish her bones and teeth when they need more of the mineral.
Because vitamin D is so important, you'll want to be sure your child gets enough. Giving your child a daily supplement like I CAN GROW is the easiest way to do this.
Some kids might need more vitamin D, such as those who:
- have certain medical problems.
- are healing from bone surgery.
- are taking medicines that block the way the body uses vitamin D.
From ages 4 to 8, the upper limit is 75 micrograms -- 2,500 international units -- daily and kids aged 9 and up should not exceed 100 micrograms, or 4,000 international units a day.
SIGNS OF DEFICIENCY…
Studies found that definitive vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/mL) impaired height growth by 0.6 cm per year even in young children not limited to those with short stature. In children with either short or normal stature, definitive vitamin D deficiency was associated with height growth decline.
Without enough vitamin D, your body can’t produce enough of the hormone calcitriol (known as the “active vitamin D”). Low vitamin D levels may lead to bone pain, muscle weakness, falls, low bone mass, and fractures. The body also needs vitamin D for brain development and immune system health.
Vitamin D deficiency is linked to high blood pressure in children.
