Vitamin D Deficiency In Children

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.
Vitamin D Deficiency Can Lead to Health Problems in Children, Such as Rickets. Click the Link Below to Find out More.