VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IN CHILDREN
Due to its effects on calcium and phosphorus metabolism, vitamin D is important for bone health, immune system, digestive system, muscle and nervous system, breast, prostate and more. It is important for many tissues. Some studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency may be associated with diabetes, cancer, autoimmune diseases and depression.
Only 10-20% of the daily requirement of vitamin D can be obtained from foods. Foods rich in vitamin D ; fish (salmon, mackerel, shrimp), egg yolk, milk and dairy products and grains. The main source of vitamin D is the sun. For this reason, it is said that 10-30 minutes of sunlight a day, depending on age and skin type, is sufficient for vitamin D synthesis. Sunbathing in glassed areas and using high-factor sunscreens to protect against harmful rays while going out in the sun prevent us from benefiting sufficiently from the sun's rays.
The vitamin D level in breast milk and cow's milk is low and does not meet the daily requirement. For this reason, 400 IU/day vitamin D supplement is given to babies aged 0-1 from the first days following birth. At least 400 IU/day is given to all children between the ages of 1-3, considering their living conditions, and at least 400 IU/day is given to all children and adolescents between the ages of 1-18. It is recommended to supplement vitamin D with at least 400-800 IU/day (average 600 U/day), taking into account their style, gender and season. If a disease due to vitamin D deficiency (rickets) occurs, higher doses of vitamin D may be needed. However, recently we have been seeing vitamin D hypervitaminosis (excess) due to unnecessary frequent use of vitamin D ampoules without a prescription. This may cause kidney stones, cardiac problems, weight loss, restlessness and hypertension in children. For this reason, unnecessary use of vitamin D preparations beyond the doctor's recommendation should be avoided.
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