We often find ourselves in an alphabet soup when it comes to figuring out the vitamins from one another and what each one does. Adding to the perplexity there are subcategories to most of the vitamins which makes it furthermore difficult to keep track of, especially for parents. One such vitamin is Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is commonly known as the sunshine vitamin. It is a unique type of vitamin as it is not available through most foods as other vitamins. The human body produces vitamin D in response to exposure to the sun. Vitamin D comes in two forms: Vitamin D2 found in plant-based foods and Vitamin D3 found in animal-produced food items.
Vitamin D3 is known to increase vitamin D levels in the blood and impacts over 2000 genes in the body. Vitamin D3 is one of the most essential nutrients for kids as it helps in growth, development, and overall wellbeing. Here are five reasons why Vitamin D3 is a must for children.
Stronger Bones
Calcium and phosphorus are two important nutrients for better bone density, stronger teeth, and skeletal system. However, without vitamin D3, the body is unable to absorb calcium and phosphorus. Deficiency of calcium and phosphorus in kids may lead to a serious condition called rickets in which bones become weak and legs appear bowed.
Improved Immune System
Vitamin D works like a hormone in the body that regulates cellular function, helps in building immunity and several disease resistance. Moreover, according to research published in 2006, vitamin D protects against influenza and respiratory viruses. Which makes vitamin D all the more important in these times of Coronavirus.
Critical Disease Prevention
Some research support that vitamin D plays a role in the prevention of heart diseases, cancer, and prostate tumors. Although there is not enough evidence to support the case. However, studies show that children with critical diseases have low vitamin D levels in their bodies.
Healthy Weight Management
Deficiency of Vitamin D can result in unhealthy weight gain in children. Obesity has become common in India, and children with obesity are majorly Vitamin D deficient. An acute deficiency of Vitamin D may lead to metabolic disease risks.
Better Mood
Vitamin D has a significant effect on mood. Kids who spend enough time under the sun are less cranky and happier as compared to kids who don’t spend much time outdoors. Along with clinical treatments, Vitamin D also helps in overcoming depression in children.
Bottomline
Vitamin D is very essential for children, unfortunately, there are very few sources of this vitamin. With Covid-19 in the picture, outdoor activities have become minimal for kids. Thus, vitamin D3 found in animal-produced food items is the best way to ensure the prevention of diseases caused due to deficiency of Vitamin D3. Apart from sunlight, vitamin D3 is found in milk, yogurt, fatty fish, egg yolks, etc. Furthermore, some nutrition drinks for kids also include vitamin D3 in them. The next time you buy a healthy drink for your child, ensure it has Vitamin D3 in it.
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