The correct dose of vitamin D3 in children. Dr. Craiu: “Daily development in the autumn-winter season is absolutely essential”

The correct dose of vitamin D 3 in children increases the chances of healthy and harmonious growth, as it contributes to the strengthening of bones and muscles, as well as the optimal functioning of the immune system. Dr. Craiu draws attention to the fact that children must get vitamin D every day in the autumn-winter season.

“The weather has become very heavy. It is sometimes cold or there are big changes in temperature during the day. There are many lessons to do, the way to school, especially in the morning, in very heavy traffic is a real obstacle course. For many children, this transition to the cold season means a general lack of movement (especially outdoor movement) and increased exposure to screens, with indoor sedentarism. And we are wondering about the recurrence of severe seasonal diseases and the alarming increase in weight of Romanian children… Parents, parents, outdoor exercise is the best medicine to put the -against excess weight and to improve your children’s immunity of vitamin D3. Daily development during this season is absolutely essential. ” warns Dr. Mihai Craiupediatric specialist, on the Virtual Children’s Hospital FB page.

Why children need vitamin D3

At birth, infants have very little vitamin D reserves, and after birth the child receives it through breast milk (0.5-1.8 micrograms per liter), and through supplements. Vitamin D can also be produced in the baby’s skin when exposed to the sun’s beta ultraviolet radiation.

Vitamin D is needed to maintain blood calcium and bone health. The effects of vitamin D deficiency in childhood are classically shown by the appearance of rickets, seizures caused by low levels of calcium in the blood (calcium is not properly absorbed without vitamin D), and breathing problems. At diagnosis, infants with rickets have very low serum 25(OH)D with vitamin D below 25 nmol/L and most have not received vitamin D supplementation. type 1 diabetes later in childhood.

Children need vitamin D3 for several vital reasons for their health and development:

• Intake of calcium and phosphorus: Vitamin D3 is essential for the efficient absorption of calcium and phosphorus from food. These minerals are essential for developing strong bones and teeth.

• Bone health: Vitamin D3 deficiency can lead to rickets in children, a condition characterized by softening and deformation of the bones.

• Function of the immune system: Vitamin D3 plays an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system, helping to protect against disease and illness.

• Muscle development: Vitamin D3 contributes to the proper functioning of the muscles, preventing muscle weakness.

• General health: There is evidence that vitamin D3 has a role in preventing some chronic diseases and can contribute to the general well-being of children.

Good to know: The main sources of vitamin D3 include sun exposure, certain foods (such as fatty fish, eggs and fortified milk) and nutritional supplements, especially in areas or periods where there is little sunlight.

What is the recommended dose of vitamin D3 for children

According to the rules World Health Organizationit is the best biological indicator of the body’s vitamin D reserves from all sources serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D.

• 25(OH)D values ​​below a serum level of 30 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L) indicate a high risk of vitamin D deficiency, while healthy concentrations for infants are considered at or above 50 nmol /L.
• Body stores can drop 50% in less than a month in infants, so without a source of vitamin D, vitamin D deficiency can develop quickly.

From late March/early April to late September, most people should be able to make all the vitamin D they need through sun exposure. The recommended dose of vitamin D3 for children varies according to age and individual needs. Here are the general recommendations:

• Infant (0-12 months): 400 IU (international units) per day.
• Children (1-18 years).): 600 IU per day.

These are standard tips, but necessary Vitamin D3 it can vary depending on factors such as sun exposure, diet and general health. In some cases, the doctor may recommend higher doses, especially if there is a risk of a deficiency or there is a proven deficiency.

Good to know: It is important to consult a doctor or child health specialist to determine the correct dose of vitamin D3 for each child, especially before giving supplements.

The most widely accepted method of building healthy stores of vitamin D in infants is through vitamin D supplementation based on randomized controlled trials, 5 to 10 micrograms per day is sufficient to maintain serum concentrations of 25 (OH) D of 50 nmol / L to keep in babies. from birth to one year.

World Health Organization

The sun and vitamin D3

You may be wondering why doctors recommend vitamin D3 drops if you can get the same thing through sun exposure? The answer is not very simple. Yes, vitamin D3 is usually obtained from the sun, but only by directly exposing the skin to the action of ultraviolet rays. So it is not enough to go out, if the little one stays in the shade.

In addition, dermatologists recommend that babies under the age of 6 months should not be exposed to the sun at all. And they also recommend that after this age, children should be given a cream with a high protection factor when they are in the sun. Therefore, the amount of vitamin D that is produced in the skin may be sufficient.

Until what age should the child take vitamin D3?

There is no right age at which children should stop taking supplements Vitamin D3as the requirement varies according to lifestyle, diet and other individual factors, as we mentioned earlier. In general, vitamin D3 supplementation is important in the following periods:

• Children (0-12 months): Supplementation is essential, especially if they are exclusively breastfed, as breast milk may not contain enough vitamin D.

• Young children and adolescents (1-18 years): Continuous improvement is recommended, especially at times when there is not much sunlight (for example, in winter or if you live in areas with little sunlight).

Also, children who are at particular risk (for example, those with certain medical conditions, those with darker skin, or those who live in areas with little sun) may need long-term development. , even after adolescence.

Good to know: The need for vitamin D varies from one country to another, depending on the climate. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), for example, recommends 400 IU / day, but in Romania the prophylactic dose is set at 500 – 1,000 IU / day, ie 1-2 drops of Vigantol.

Can You Give Your Child Too Much Vitamin D?

It is unlikely. On the other hand, many health experts are concerned about how little children are eating. But vitamin D can be harmful in too large amounts. The maximum amount for children 12 months and older is 1,000 – 1,500 IU per day, and for children 1-8 years old, the safe amount is between 2,500 and 3,000 IU per day. This vitamin is stored in body tissue, so it is not good to eat more than experts recommend. Vitamin C, for example, is not stored in the body – any excess is simply eliminated through the spleen.

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