The role of Vitamin D in the metabolism, health and growth of the skeletal system of children and adults, is well known for many years now.
What is Vitamin D
Vit D belongs in the group of fat-soluble vitamins, along with vitamins A, E and K. In the human body, vit D acts as a hormone, regulating the levels of calcium and phosphate in the blood stream and, thus, contributing to the growth of children’s bones.
Over the past years, research has associated vit D with other diseases and conditions, such as asthma, obesity and autoimmune diseases, based on the detection of vit D receptors in many human cells.
What are the sources of Vit D?
The main source of vit D is its production by our skin when it is exposed to sunlight. Exposure to sunlight (head and arms) for 15-20min everyday at noon is enough to produce our daily needs in vit D.
Other sources of vit D are the fatty fish (such as salmon, sardine and tuna), the egg yolk, liver, mushrooms and dairy or other food enriched with vit D.
What does Vit D deficiency cause?
Severe vit D deficiency, although rare in developed countries, causes a condition called rickets. These children demonstrate large anterior fontanelle with late closure, softening of the occipital bone (craniotabes), late teething, short stature and skeletal anomalies (thin and fragile bones).
Which kids are more likely to develop vit D deficiency and, thus, in need for supplementation?
- Preterm and breastfeeding infants
- Children with dark skin
- Children who live in countries with little sunshine
- Children with chronic liver or kidney failure
- Children on antiepileptic treatment with phenytoin or phenobarbital
- Children with chronic diseases that cause fat malabsorption (e.g. cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease)
How can we diagnose vit D deficiency?
Diagnosis is established by measurement of the levels of 25-OH Vit D in the blood stream. Your pediatrician will evaluate the result and let you know if your child has normal or insufficient values, or even lack of vit D. If values are abnormal, your pediatrician will prescribe a suitable medicinal form and dosage of vit D, depending on your child’s age. It is imperative to administer the right dose as vit D overdose can raise calcium’s levels in the blood stream and damage the kidneys.
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