Vitamin D is a nutrient that helps the body take in calcium from the foods we eat.
Calcium and vitamin D build bones and keep them strong. Vitamin D also plays a part in heart health, fighting infection, and helping bones heal after an injury or surgery.
Our bodies make vitamin D when our skin is exposed to the sun. But getting enough vitamin D from sunlight can be tricky. Most kids and adults spend lots of time indoors at school and work. Plus, the amount of vitamin D we can get from the sun is affected by the time of the year, weather, and even pollution. And when we're outdoors, it's important to protect skin to prevent skin cancer and skin damage from too much sun exposure.
Very few foods have vitamin D naturally. The foods with the most are fatty fish (like salmon and tuna), liver, mushrooms, eggs, and fish oils. Kids don't eat these foods a lot. That's why food companies often "fortify" milk, yogurt, baby formula, juice, cereal, and other foods with added vitamin D.
To get enough vitamin D, some kids might need to take a multivitamin with vitamin D or a vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D is sometimes labeled as vitamin D3.
You can buy vitamin D pills, gummies, chewables, liquids, and sprays in stores without a prescription. Ask your doctor for advice on choosing the right one.
Vitamin D is measured in international units (IU).
Some kids might need more vitamin D, such as those who:
Ask your doctor whether your child needs a vitamin D supplement.
Because vitamin D is so important, you'll want to be sure your kids get enough. If they don't eat a lot of foods with vitamin D, talk to your doctor about whether a daily supplement or a multivitamin with vitamin D can help.
Health care providers might order a blood test if they think a health problem is keeping a child from getting enough vitamin D. If doctors don't think your child has a health problem, there's no need for a blood test.
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, a building block for strong bones. Unlike with vitamin D, kids usually can get enough calcium from food. High-calcium foods include milk, cheese, and yogurt. Food makers often fortify foods like cereal, bread, or juice with calcium.
Reviewed by: Melanie L. Pitone, MD
Date Reviewed: Mar 1, 2024
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