What is vitamin D?
Vitamin D isn’t exactly a vitamin but rather a pro-hormone. When absorbed, part of it is converted into the hormone calcitriol by the liver and kidneys.
Calcitriol is thus 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 enhances the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestines.
These minerals ensure the strength of bones and teeth and promote the mineralization of the skeleton. Therefore, vitamin D is essential for babies and children.
It is either produced by the body under the action of UVB rays or supplied through diet. Unfortunately, as babies have delicate skin, sun exposure is limited before the age of 2.
Moreover, breast milk and infant formula do not sufficiently meet their needs.
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Supplementation in vitamin D is therefore often necessary for infants and babies.
Sun exposure is limited, and therefore the production of vitamin D.
The role of vitamin D in children
It supports bone growth
Its main role is to support growth and bone building. Thus, it ensures normal skeletal development.
Its presence is especially important during the rapid post-natal growth.
In its active form, vitamin D stimulates phosphocalcic metabolism. It maintains a good calcium level in the blood and promotes its absorption in the intestines.
It also increases the assimilation of phosphorus, essential for the formation of bones and teeth.
This study shows its role in intestinal calcium absorption and 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.
Thus, it helps calcium and phosphorus bind to bones and cartilages. It does the same at the level of the hard tissues of teeth. It is essential for the formation, consolidation, and mineral density of the dentition.
This study shows how vitamin D influences milk teeth and the development of cavities from a young age.
It prevents growth and ossification diseases
A lack of vitamin D can lead to rickets in infants and young children. This disease notably causes growth delays and bone deformities.
The baby may also experience delays in walking acquisition or tooth development.
Supplementation with vitamin D can help reduce the risks of growth and ossification diseases.
This study also shows the role of vitamin D and the importance of preventing deficiency and rickets during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
It boosts the immune system
Finally, vitamin D has beneficial effects on the immune system. This system is still very fragile in babies.
Thus, it stimulates the defense capacity of white blood cells against attacks and pathogens (bacteria, viruses…).
It also ensures an appropriate, healthy and balanced immune response.
When to supplement babies?
Infants and young children have higher vitamin needs than adults. Thus, they need 800 to 1,000 IU/day for newborns and babies up to 12 months.
However, breast milk contains little vitamin D. Infants’ formula, on the other hand, is generally insufficient to meet the necessary intakes. Even when enriched.
To prevent deficiencies and rickets, it’s possible to supplement children aged 0 to 18 months, whether they are breastfed or formula-fed.
Dosage and usage precautions
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 dietary supplements enriched with vitamin D.
The 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 about overdosing, which can disrupt kidney function and lead to hypercalcemia (excess calcium in the blood) in children.
