THE IMPORTANCE OF VITAMIN D - IS YOUR CHILD GETTING ENOUGH?

Vitamin D is crucial for the development and health of children. It is an essential factor that helps the body absorb nutrients from food—critical components for ensuring strong bones in children and controlling calcium in the blood. Vitamin D also plays a role in building the immune system to protect children. Insufficient levels can lead to rickets, seizures, and difficulty breathing.

Our bodies naturally produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Therefore, many children naturally receive enough vitamin D by engaging in daily activities such as walking, cycling, or playing outdoor sports. However, if a child has limited exposure to sunlight and relies only on a regular diet, they are at risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Hanoi French Hospital’s Dr. Dinh Thi Thu Phuong, a Pediatrics specialist, explains further:

“Vitamin D and calcium are essential nutrients for strong bones, with calcium absorption and metabolism heavily dependent on vitamin D levels in the body. A deficiency in vitamin D can negatively affect a child’s height development. Furthermore, recent studies show that vitamin D also plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system. Despite being a tropical country, Vietnam still has a 40-50% deficiency rate of vitamin D among children. Therefore, don’t miss the opportunity to check and supplement vitamin D properly at our hospital to ensure a healthy future for your child.”

Hanoi French Hospital’s Western-trained pediatricians offer complete and comprehensive care for all children. Growing up provides many challenges for the youngest in our society but Hanoi French Hospital will be by your side to guide and help your children have a healthy, happy upbringing.

HFH’s Membership cards for children – H Plus Baby Care and H Plus Kid Care – were designed to help parents prepare for those challenges. Among a wide range of incredible benefits; physical development assessment, Nutrition consultations, and discounts on laboratory services can all help ascertain and explain your child’s best path towards healthy growth. One vital aspect of this growth can be Vitamin D intake.

Vitamin D is almost totally absent in most foods, except for certain fatty fish, cod liver oil, fish oil, and eggs. Additional Vitamin D can be necessary to ensure a healthy child, especially in infants who may not receive enough Vitamin D from breast milk.

How much Vitamin D is sufficient differs although there are accepted guidelines when considering additional Vitamin D.

• Supplementing 400 IU per day during the first year is considered effective in preventing vitamin D deficiency.
• Specific recommendations for vitamin D intake are as follows:
• Infants up to 12 months need 400 international units (IU) or 10 micrograms (mcg) per day.
• Children over 1-year old need 600 IU or 15 mcg per day.

A common question in regard to the subject is “can sunbathing increase intake of Vitamin D?”

While the body does begin to synthesize Vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays, this brings its own dangers. Parents need to be aware that a small amount of ultraviolet radiation is essential for Vitamin D production, but excessive amounts can lead to health concerns related to the skin, eyes and immune system. Proper sun-protection and managing time of exposure is key to finding the right balance between healthy and unhealthy amounts of sun.

Speaking to a paediatrician regarding caring for your children on an individual basis is advised, as each child is unique and age can play a factor. To visit one of our pediatric specialists call our hotline at 024 3577 1100, message our Fanpage "Hanoi French Hospital" or contact our Zalo official account at zalo.me/2008009049335817955

For more information about our Membership Cards and packages for kids and adults alike, please visit our website and find the one that suits you and your family’s needs: https://www.hfh.com.vn/.../h-plus-membership-overview.html