Vitamin D is important for bone health. Vitamin D supplementation is recommended for babies.
WHAT IS VITAMIN D? - Fat-soluble vitamin - Produced in the skin by sunlight - Takes little with food
DUTIES: - Calcium absorption - Bone and dental health - Immune system - Muscle function
RESOURCES: - Sunlight (most important) - Fish oil - Egg yolk - Milk and dairy products - Supplements
VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY: - Rickets (bone softening) - Muscle weakness - Immune weakness - Growth retardation
REINFORCEMENT USE: - 0-12 months: 400 IU daily - 1-18 years: 600 IU per day - Particularly important in winter
SUNLIGHT: - 15-20 minutes a day - Between 10:00-15:00 - Hands, face, arms open - Sunscreen blocks vitamin D
OVERUSE: - Risk of toxicity - Kidney stone - High calcium