Do you know that Vitamin D deficiency can be toxic for your child? New study reveals startling facts

We all know that Vitamin D is crucial for our health, and its deficiency can result in many health issues. However, despite boasting of a (largely) tropical climate with plenty of sun, India as a country, is largely deficient in this Vitamin, creating a huge health void. However, do you know that children, in particular, are most at risk when it comes to severe Vitamin D deficiency? Here's how...


New study
A new study, published by the Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences Academic Channel (cited as Bahinipati, Mishra A, Parida P, et al) evaluated a total of a total of 1,384 pediatric patients, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.3:1. The mean age of participants was 11.2 ± 4.9 years. Vitamin D levels showed a significant age-related decline, with the highest levels observed in infants under one year, and the lowest in adolescents aged 11-18. Gender disparities were also evident, with males having significantly higher mean vitamin D levels than females.

How is Vitamin D important?
Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and overall growth in children. It helps the body absorb calcium, which is needed for strong bones and teeth. Without enough vitamin D, children can develop serious health problems.

Deficient country
Despite India’s sunny climate, vitamin D deficiency is extremely common among Indian children. Studies have shown that more than half of Indian children and adolescents have low levels of vitamin D, making it a major public health concern. Even in cities like Chennai (which gets lots of sun), about one-third of children were found to have low vitamin D levels.

Causes
Several factors contribute to this widespread deficiency...

Limited Sun Exposure: Many children spend more time indoors or cover their skin, reducing sunlight exposure, which is necessary for the body to make vitamin D.
Skin Pigmentation: Darker skin reduces the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight.
Urban Living: Children in cities are more likely to be deficient, possibly due to pollution and less time outdoors.
Diet: Indian diets are often low in foods that naturally contain vitamin D.

Health issues

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a range of health issues in children:

Rickets: Soft, weak bones that can bend and deform
Delayed growth and development
Muscle weakness
Seizures and cramps in severe cases
Infants and adolescents are especially at risk. Even children who seem healthy, can have low vitamin D and may develop problems later if not treated.


Is it treatable?
Doctors recommend vitamin D supplements for children who are deficient. Treatment can include daily or weekly doses, or sometimes a single large dose (called Stoss therapy), along with calcium supplements. Prevention is best achieved through calculated sun exposure, food fortification, and routine supplementation, especially for infants and young children.

How can you protect your child
Encourage children to play outside in sunlight for short periods.
Include foods rich in vitamin D, like eggs and fortified milk, in their diet.
However, only give vitamin D supplements if advised by a doctor, and never exceed the recommended dose.