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Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that kids need in order to be healthy and strong. Unfortunately, some children aren’t getting enough Vitamin D and may need to supplement their diet. This summer, parents can help their kids get enough Vitamin D with some dietary and lifestyle changes.
Why Does Your Child Need Vitamin D?
Children need Vitamin D to maintain a healthy body. Vitamin D is an ingredient for strong bones. In order for the body to process calcium, there needs to be enough Vitamin D present. Calcium helps build stronger bones and prevents diseases like Ricketts or problems with fractures. Additionally, Vitamin D may also protect the body from respiratory infections or other illnesses. The Vitamin D drops benefits may give your baby a better start in life.
Best Ways To Get Vitamin D
Infants under 12 months old need 400 International Units, or IU, of Vitamin D a day. Children need 600 IU of Vitamin D per day. Vitamin D isn’t found in most foods naturally, so some parents may need to supplement their child’s diet. Here are some easy ways you can make sure your child gets enough daily Vitamin D.
Spend Time Outside
A fast and free way you can increase your child’s Vitamin D intake this summer is by going outside. The sun’s ultraviolet rays are a natural source of Vitamin D. Going out into the sun for at least 10 minutes a day may help increase your child’s Vitamin D levels. When going outside in the sun, make sure your child is wearing sunscreen. Kids who are sensitive to the sun should be monitored to make sure they don’t get overheated.
Multivitamin
Another way you can add more Vitamin D to your child’s daily routine is to give them a multivitamin, such as Wellements multivitamin. Look at the label of the supplement to make sure it meets your child’s daily requirements for Vitamin D intake.
Eggs and Fatty Fish
The top food source that naturally has Vitamin D is fatty fish salmon. One serving could be enough for your child’s daily intake. Salmon isn’t a preferred food for many infants and young children, so you can also try tuna or eggs, which have less Vitamin D.
Supplements
Parents can also use Vitamin D supplements for their baby or child. The best organic Vitamin D drops for infants meet your child’s daily requirements for this nutrient. Vitamin D drops can be easily mixed into your child’s milk, juice or another drink so they won’t notice they are taking a supplement.
Fortified Foods
The last easy way you can make sure your kids get their daily Vitamin D is to add fortified foods to your menu this summer. Many dairy products are fortified with Vitamin D, such as milk and yogurt. Additionally, breakfast cereals and orange juice may also be fortified with Vitamin D, giving your child this necessary mineral each morning.
Parents can help their kids build stronger bones and a tougher immune system if they change the routine for optimal Vitamin D opportunities. Spend small amounts of time in the sun and add Vitamin D-rich foods and supplements to your child’s diet this summer.