What is vitamin D?
The vitamin D is not a vitamin per se but a prohormone. When it is absorbed, part of it is converted into the hormone calcitriol by the action of the liver and kidneys.
Calcitriol is therefore one of the active forms of vitamin D. In the body, it binds to specific receptors (VDRs), present in almost all cells.
Calcitriol plays a major role in bone growth. Indeed, it improves the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestine.
These minerals ensure the strength of bones and teeth and promote skeletal mineralization. Vitamin D is therefore essential for infants and children.
It is either produced by the body, under the action of UVB rays, or provided through the diet. Unfortunately, since babies’ skin is fragile, sun exposure is limited before the age of 2.
Moreover, breast milk and infant formula are not sufficient to meet their needs.
Read also | How to choose the best vitamin D?
A supplementation with vitamin D is therefore often necessary for infants and babies.
Sun exposure is limited, and therefore vitamin D production
The role of vitamin D in children
It supports bone growth.
Its main role is to support growth and bone formation. Thus, it ensures normal skeletal development.
Its presence is particularly important during postnatal growth which is very rapid.
Through its active form, vitamin D stimulates calcium-phosphate metabolism. It maintains a good level of calcium in the blood and promotes its absorption by the intestines.
It also increases phosphorus absorption, which is essential for the formation of bones and teeth.
This study shows its role in intestinal calcium absorption and in skeletal health.
It ensures the strength and mineralization of bones and teeth.
In addition to supporting the child’s growth, it is involved in the strength and mineralization of the bones and teeth.
Thus, it helps calcium and phosphorus bind to bones and cartilage. It does the same for the hard tissues of the teeth. It is essential for the formation, consolidation and the mineral density of the teeth.
This study shows how vitamin D affects baby teeth and the development of cavities from an early age.
It prevents growth and ossification disorders.
A vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets in infants and young children. This disease notably leads to growth retardation and bone deformities.
The baby may also show a delay in learning to walk or in tooth development.
Supplementation with vitamin D can help reduce the risks of growth and ossification disorders.
This study also shows the role of vitamin D and the importance of preventing deficiency and rickets during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
It strengthens the immune system.
Finally, vitamin D has beneficial effects on the immune system. The immune system is still very fragile in infants.
Thus, it stimulates the defensive capacity of white blood cells against assaults and pathogens (bacteria, viruses…).
It also ensures a proper, healthy, and balanced immune response.
When should babies be given supplements?
Infants and young children have higher vitamin needs than adults. Therefore, the recommended intake is 800 to 1,000 IU/day for newborns and infants up to 12 months.
However, breast milk contains little vitamin D. Infant formulas, meanwhile, are generally insufficient to meet the necessary intake. This is true even when they are fortified.
To prevent deficiencies and rickets, children aged 0 to 18 months can be supplemented with vitamin D, whether they are breastfed or formula-fed.
Dosage and precautions for use
Vitamin D is administered orally, in the form of drops.
Zyma D, Stérogyl, and Adrigyl are the preparations most often prescribed by pediatricians.
ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety) recommends the use of medicines rather than vitamin D–enriched food supplements.
The frequency and dosage depend on each child. Only a doctor or a pediatrician can advise you on the dose to give your baby.
Also be careful of overdose which can disrupt kidney function and lead to hypercalcemia (excess calcium in the blood) in children.
