Vitamin D for toddlers

Vitamin D is essential for your toddler’s normal bone development and has other important functions in the body, such as supporting immune function. Generated by the body in response to sunlight, it is also available from a limited number of foods. However, it can be a challenge to get enough through diet and sunshine alone. Discover why supplementation is recommended, and what the risks are of not getting enough.

Vitamin D is generated by the body when UVB rays shine on the skin. It is also found in in a small number of foods. Because the most efficient natural source of vitamin D is sunlight, it is sometimes known as the sunshine vitamin.

As a fat-soluble vitamin, it is stored in fat tissue for later use if the intake exceeds the amount the body needs.

Your toddler’s absorption of calcium and phosphorous depend on sufficient levels of vitamin D. This makes it essential for normal bone development and healthy teeth.

With your toddler’s bones growing and strengthening at a rapid rate, a steady, adequate supply of vitamin D is vital for optimal development during this stage.

Vitamin D also helps to maintain normal levels of calcium within the blood, while playing a part in immune function, growth and the ability to fight infection.

The latitude of the UK means that we only get sufficient levels of the UVB rays required to generate vitamin D between April and September. Sunshine hours within that time are patchy, and many parents wisely use sunscreen to protect toddlers’ skin during the stronger, more effective sunlight hours. Unfortunately, this restricts the levels of sun-generated vitamin D further.

Another barrier to sun-generated vitamin D is skin pigmentation. Children with darker skin, especially those of Asian, African and Middle Eastern origin are more likely to have lower levels of vitamin D. This is because skin with more pigment requires more time in the sun to generate vitamin D than fairer skin.

There are a few food sources of vitamin D, such as oily fish, egg yolk, red meat and fortified foods (such as breakfast cereals and spreads). However, due to the potential low levels of pollutants found in oily fish like salmon, sardines and mackerel, it’s recommended that toddlers have no more than two servings per week. Some breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamin D, but these may provide just one quarter of recommended intakes in an average (30g) bowl.

Due to the challenges involved in getting vitamin D, the Department of Health advises supplementing your toddler’s diet with enough to meet their daily needs. They recommend:

- If your toddler is aged 1-4 years, give them a daily vitamin D supplement of 10mcg

- If your child is over 4 years old, give them a daily vitamin D supplement of 10mcg in the autumn and winter months at the least 

Insufficient intake of vitamin D can lead to a deficiency, which can increase your toddler’s risk of serious health issues, specifically:

• Rickets – significantly low levels of vitamin D for a prolonged period can result in soft, poorly-formed bones
• Other conditions – vitamin D deficiency has been associated with increased risks of conditions including type 1 and type 2 diabetes, allergies, asthma and cardiovascular disease

You can reduce the risk of your toddler developing future health complications related to vitamin D deficiency by ensuring they get sufficient amounts during toddlerhood and childhood.