Is Your Toddler Getting Enough Vitamin D?

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

24 Sep 2009 01:36 PM

Probably not... at least according to medical experts.

A new study published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine reveals that at least 40% of American infants and toddlers aren't getting enough vitamin D. What's more, the study also found that there has been an increase in the number of rickets (a vitamin D deficiency disease) cases in several states in the last few years.

Doctors say millions of American children are vitamin D deficient and that number is likely to increase if parents don't start adjusting their kids' diet or modifying their schedules to allow toddlers to spend more time in the sun.

According to medical experts, kids these days are drinking way too much juice and soda and not enough vitamin D enriched milk. Doctors also say that an alarming number of toddlers spend an excessive amount of time indoors watching TV and not enough time playing outside. Medical experts note that the greatest source of vitamin D is the sun. They recommend toddlers spend 15 minutes in the sun daily, before 10:00 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m. without sunscreen.

The daily recommended intake of vitamin D for infants and toddlers is 200 IU. However, health experts say they would like to see a 10-fold increase based on new research. You can help boost your toddler's vitamin D intake by adding the following foods to his diet:

*Salmon

*Tuna

*Fortified oats

*Egg yolks

*Liver

*Swiss cheese

You can also boost your toddler's levels of vitamin D by drinking milk and fortified orange juice.

Another tip is to add vitamin D to your diet so that you set a good example for your tot. Vitamin D is an important part of a healthy diet regardless of age. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts like a hormone and is needed by the body to utilize calcium (which hardens bones and teeth). It also enhances the immune system and helps prevent disease. In addition, vitamin D has been found to reduce inflammation and the risk of cancer, multiple sclerosis, lupus, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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drdad (503) 29 Sep 2009 02:11 PM

I'm getting sick of sunscreen. Sure if you are out all day or during the peak times but to go to school?

Michele Cheplic (37349) 30 Sep 2009 08:56 AM

At least you don't live in Hawaii. Then, you'd really need to stock up on the sunblock.