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The role of Vitamin D is not limited to a specific organ, but might extend to affect the entire body. It is really important to follow up on vitamin D levels because low levels of vitamin D are known to be associated with contributing to several orthopaedic conditions, including SUFE, Perthes, osteomalacia and fragility fractures,1 it can also negatively affect several tissues, including the brain, colon, and immune system. Vitamin D deficiency has also shown to be connected with development of several diseases, 2 higher rates of infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, as well as autoimmune diseases, and diabetes. Moreover, respiratory infections, food allergies, and asthma are known to increase as well with vitamin D deficiency.
Main factors that can cause vitamin D deficiency are staying at home for prolonged periods and not exposing our children to sunlight.3
We have witnessed an increase in the recommended daily amount of vitamin D children need, the result of new evidence showing its life-long health benefits. Supplementation is important, because most children will not get enough vitamin D through diet alone.
You can find some foods that are rich in vitamin D, which is vital to increase the Vitamin D in the diet of your child. Types of food that are fortified with vitamin D are milk, cereal, orange juice, yogurt, and margarine. Vitamin D is found naturally in foods like salmon, sardine, tuna and eggs.4
Dr. Nabil Hajj Hassan
Pediatrician
