Vitamin D Deficiency In Children: Vitamin D is one of the most essential nutrients that the body requires for daily functioning. It is important for bone strength, immune system function, reducing the risk of several diseases and maintaining optimal health. Inadequate amounts of this nutrient in the body are termed as ‘vitamin D deficiency’ and can have detrimental effects on the individual body and health. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to fatigue, back pain, poor wound healing, and hair loss.
In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. D. Srikanth, Sr. Consultant Paediatrician & Neonatologist, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad explained how vitamin D deficiency is more common in children than adults.
Watch the video below about foods rich in vitamin D:
Vitamin D Deficiency In Children
According to Dr Srikanth, vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin which is essential for the normal absorption of calcium from the gut, it occurs naturally in the body following exposure to UVB Sunlight, the body can also synthesise it from cholesterol up to 1/4th of the population has low levels of Vitamin-D in their blood because of lack of exposure to sunlight, lack of outdoor games in children, dependency on indoor games, mobile phones or computers and use of sunscreens.
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Who is at risk?
-Infants and young children under 5 years of age
-Older people aged 5 years and above
-All pregnant and breastfeeding women
-Who have low or no exposure to the sun
-Person with liver disease, renal disease, malabsorption and genetic cause
Vitamin D Deficiency In Children (Image Credits: Canva)
How are they present?
-Depends on age, severity of deficiency, underlying cause
-Vitamin D deficiency in children is called Rickets
-In 1st year of life most rapidly growing bones are affected like sull, upper limbs and ribs which manifests as craniotabes, widening of cranial sutures, frontal bossing, enlarged swollen epiphysis, irritability, and hypotonia.
-After 1st-year present bone pain, proximal myopathy, abnormal dentition, with enamel hypoplasia, and bowing of legs.
-Severe manifestation includes convulsions, abnormal sensations, muscle spasms
Tips To Reduce Vitamin D Deficiency Risk In Children
Dr Srikanth suggests that vitamin D deficiency is diagnosed clinically and by biochemical tests including serum calcium, serum phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, serum vitamin D levels and radiologically. Some common tips to prevent this nutrient deficiency include:
- Vitamin D deficiency can be prevented by both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods
- Non-pharmacological methods include exposure to sunlight, enough outdoor activity among children, and increased dietary intake of vitamin D-rich foods like fish, eggs, fortified milk, mushrooms, fortified cereals and juices.
- Pharmacological methods include vitamin D supplements for infants who are breastfed, pregnant and breastfeeding women with medical conditions and who are not exposed to sun much.
In short, the body produces vitamin D due to sun exposure many foods and supplements also contain vitamin D. The vitamin plays an important role in maintaining bone, teeth and optimal immune function.
ALSO READ: How To Check Vitamin D Levels In Your Body? Effective Ways To Prevent Vitamin D Deficiency | Know From Expert
Rohit Malhotra is a medical expert and health journalist who offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. His articles aim to help readers lead healthier lives.
