Vitamin D is an important nutrient that your body uses for a wide variety of things. Because the sun is a main source of this vitamin, many people’s levels drop over the winter months. Now that spring is almost here, it is usually easier to get adequate amounts naturally, without having to supplement with something like Wellements vitamins. If you are wondering how you can improve your child’s vitamin D levels, rest assured that there are some easy ways.
Importance of Vitamin D
It is well known that vitamin D is important for bone health. It helps the stomach absorb phosphorous and calcium from food, and these nutrients are important for bone manufacturing and strength. Without enough of vitamin D, there is an increased risk of fractures and other bone-related issues. This vitamin also plays a role in keeping your ligaments, tendons, muscles, and cartilage healthy, so without it, there may be more musculoskeletal injuries.
The musculoskeletal system is not the only system that vitamin D plays a role in. It has been shown to play a big role in the immune system. Without adequate levels, people have an increased risk of catching an illness and getting sick. There is also evidence that vitamin D can prevent and treat heart conditions, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Because of its importance, vitamin D is necessary for all ages, even infants. You may be wondering why give vitamin D to newborns, especially if the baby is breast fed. Although mothers can pass the vitamin along through breast milk, there is often not enough for both mom and baby. If the newborn gets formula, make sure it is fortified with vitamin D.
How to Get Vitamin D
There are a number of ways your child can get adequate levels of vitamin D. The sun is the best source. In summer, the sun is usually strong enough for your child to get enough of the vitamin from only 10 to 20 minutes of exposure daily. However, if you live in a cloudy and cool environment, or if it is a different season, you probably need to use other sources.
There are some food sources of the vitamin but not very many. Mushrooms are a good source, but they need to have been exposed to ultraviolet B or the sun. Oily fish such as sardines and salmon are also good sources. Milk and some other foods are fortified with vitamin D, but these are often low amounts.
Without adequate sun exposure, you will probably need to supplement your family with vitamin D. When looking for vitamin D on the drug store’s shelves, look for vitamin D3, as this absorbs the best. Read the other ingredients and make sure the supplement is free from sugars, artificial colors, and artificial flavors. Vitamin D3 comes in various forms: Pills, gummies, and liquid. Organic vitamin D for babies is a good choice, as it is organic, is the D3 form, is free from preservatives and allergens, and is in liquid form so it is easy to administer.
