A new study done by Florida International University (FIU) has brought light to a significant health concern among children worldwide. The research talks about how and why vitamin D is very crucial for child nourishment and development, what the concerns are around it, and how to tackle the same.
Vitamin D is a very essential element for the development of the bones, immune function, and overall child growth. New research has pointed out that there’s a lack in the level of adequate vitamins in children. There are various reasons for this, like limited sun exposure due to indoor activities, an increase in screen time, and widespread use of sunscreen.
What did the study point out?
The research done by FIU’s Stempel School of Public Health, Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, says that around 70% of children from the ages of 6 to 11 in the USA lack adequate vitamin D levels, and this deficiency can lead to various concerns such as rickets, weakened immunity or gut, and chronic fatigue.
How Vitamin D makes your children’s gut strong?
Vitamin D helps the gut to absorb value-rich elements such as calcium and also makes your children’s gut wall strong. Now this gut wall helps the nutrients to get in and keeps the harmful bacteria out.
Deficiency in vitamin D makes your gut wall weaker, which could further cause various problems such as liver disease, diabetes, and obesity.
The study also lists some solutions to counter this problem in children. It recommends 15 to 30 minutes of sun exposure daily (depending on your skin tone and location), as the body produces natural vitamin D when in contact with ultraviolet rays.
For the region where the sunlight is limited, they have to inculcate vitamin D-rich elements in their daily food. Things like fatty fish, egg yolks, and various fortified dairy products. These above-mentioned products and solutions will enhance the vitamin level in the children’s bodies.
Supplements are also suggested, but it should be under the guidance of a pediatrician, and it should be around 400 IU for infants and 600 IU for children in the age group of 1-13.
