The importance of Vitamin D for young children

Vitamin D is crucial for the development and health of children. It is an essential factor that helps the body absorb calcium and phosphate 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.

Do infants receive enough Vitamin D from breast milk?

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.

If a child has limited exposure to sunlight and relies only on a regular diet, they are at risk of vitamin D deficiency because vitamin D is almost absent in most foods, except for certain fatty fish, cod liver oil, fish oil, and eggs.

Hence, right after birth, most infants will need additional vitamin D.

How much vitamin D is sufficient?

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.

Is sunbathing recommended for vitamin D supplementation?

The time when shadows are shorter than the object is when the body starts synthesizing vitamin D.

Mothers need to be aware that a small amount of ultraviolet radiation is essential for vitamin D production, but excessive exposure can lead to health effects on the skin, eyes, and immune system.

To schedule a visit with a Pediatrician and receive advice on caring for children at different ages, please call our hotline at 024 3577 1100, message our Fanpage "Hanoi French Hospital" or contact our Zalo official account at zalo.me/2008009049335817955