Find out how you can protect your child from rickets and defective bone growth related to vitamin D deficiency.
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is also known as the "Sunshine Vitamin," because
your body can convert sunlight to vitamin D when it hits
unprotected skin. However, parents should be careful to
avoid prolonged exposure to the sunlight without sunscreen.
What are some the functions of Vitamin D in our bodies?
Research shows that vitamin D plays important roles in the body such as:
-
Aids in the absorption of calcium and phosphorous in our bodies
-
Helps bring calcium and phosphorous into our bones and teeth
-
Regulates how much calcium is in our blood
-
Plays a role in the strength of our immune system
-
Helps regulate cell growth
Site Composed by, Chevon Raich
HSCI 445
5/7/15
How bad is the deficiency problem in the United States?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 32% of children and adults in the U.S. are vitamin D deficient.
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found that:
-
50 percent of children aged 1 to 5 years old, and 70 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 11, are deficient or insufficient in vitamin D.