What is vitamin D?
Vitamin D is not technically a vitamin but a prohormone. When it is absorbed, part of it is converted into the hormone calcitriol by the liver and kidneys.
Calcitriol is therefore one of the active forms of vitamin D. Within 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 formulas are not sufficient to meet their needs.
Lire aussi | Comment choisir la meilleure vitamine D ?
A supplementation of vitamin D is therefore often necessary in infants and babies.
Exposure to sunlight 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.
Sa présence est particulièrement importante pendant la croissance post-natale qui est très rapide.
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 the absorption of phosphorus, 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 contributes to the strength and mineralization of bones and teeth.
Ainsi, elle aide le calcium et le phosphore à se fixer sur les os et les cartilages. Elle en fait de même au niveau des tissus durs des dents. Elle est indispensable à la formation, à la consolidation et à la densité minérale de la dentition.
This study shows how vitamin D influences baby teeth and the development of cavities from an early age.
It prevents growth and ossification disorders
Vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets in infants and young children. This condition can lead to growth retardation and bone deformities.
The baby may also show a delay in learning to walk or in the development of the teeth.
Vitamin D supplementation can help to limit 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 babies.
Thus, it stimulates the defensive capacity of white blood cells against assaults and pathogens (bacteria, viruses…).
It also ensures an appropriate, healthy, and balanced immune response.
When should babies be supplemented?
Infants and young children have higher vitamin needs than adults. For newborns and babies up to 12 months, the recommended intake is 800 to 1,000 IU/day.
However, breast milk contains little vitamin D. Infant formulas, on the other hand, are generally insufficient to meet the required intake. This is true even when they are fortified.
To avoid deficiencies and prevent 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 taking medications rather than vitamin D-enriched dietary supplements.
Frequency and dosage depend on each child. Only a doctor or a pediatrician can advise you on the dose to administer to your baby.
Also be careful of overdose, which can impair kidney function and lead to hypercalcemia (excess calcium in the blood) in children.
