How to give your child vitamin D3?

Vitamin D3 is essential for both adults and children. Maintaining adequate levels in children affects the immune system, bone development, and nervous system function. Unfortunately, many children in Poland currently have vitamin D deficiencies, which can negatively impact their health. How should you dose vitamin D, when should you supplement, and which form is best for your child? Read more in the article below!

What is vitamin D and why is it so important?

Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble compounds, and for humans (regardless of age), the most important level is the vitamin labeled D3 (cholecalciferol). Importantly, vitamin D3 is produced in the skin after only a short period of sun exposure. UVB rays then trigger a process called cutaneous synthesis. Unfortunately, due to the Polish climate, we are not always able to obtain adequate amounts of it from sun exposure, especially during autumn and winter, when the weather is unfavorable.

In children, vitamin D3 influences the proper development of:

• strengthens immunity and thus reduces the risk of infection,

• has a beneficial effect on the skeletal system – it helps in bone development and ensures their proper mineralization,

• regulates calcium and phosphorus metabolism, helps maintain the proper level of calcium and phosphorus in the blood,

• has a positive effect on the development of the brain and nervous system,

• has anti-inflammatory effects and reduces the risk of type I diabetes.

Vitamin D3 deficiency, on the other hand, can lead to rickets, growth disorders, immune system problems, and, in extreme cases, delayed psychomotor development and muscle weakness. However, when there's an excess of vitamin D3 in the body, although this is much less common, it can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, increased drowsiness, loss of appetite, and excessive calcium deposition in organs. Therefore, vitamin D3 supplements should not be given to infants and children without consulting a doctor, who will determine the appropriate dose based on body weight and other factors.

What dose of vitamin D should be given to infants and what dose to give to children and adolescents?

Children's vitamin D3 requirements change with age and are also dependent on the season, height, weight, health status, and lifestyle. Therefore, in accordance with the latest findings, daily vitamin D requirements have been established for newborns, infants, younger children, and older children.

Depending on the stage of development, the need for vitamin D3 is as follows:

• Newborn up to 400 IU per day – the dose is the same regardless of the feeding method (also if the baby consumes formula milk).

• Infant from 6 to 12 months of age approx. 400–600 IU per day, the dose depends on the amount of vitamin in the diet.

• Children aged 1 to 3 years: approximately 600 IU per day – all year round.

• Children from 4 to 10 years of age, dose between 600 and 1000 IU per day – especially from October to April.

• Adolescents from 11 to 18 years of age, dosage in the range of 800 to 2000 IU per day – depends on many factors, including body weight and height. The normal level of vitamin D3 in this age group varies the most.

When is vitamin D supplementation recommended? This is especially true during periods of reduced outdoor exposure, sunscreen use, or a diet low in vitamin D-containing foods (sources include fatty fish, eggs, and milk). Typically, a vitamin D deficiency in the diet means a child should take a year-round supplement in the form of capsules, tablets, or drops. However, to be sure of a child's vitamin D levels, it's best to have a blood test (25(OH)D concentration should be checked). This allows you to consult with your doctor to determine the appropriate dose for your child.

Vitamin D3 and young children – is supplementation necessary?

Newborns need vitamin D3 from the first days of life, which is currently standard in pediatric care. This is recommended regardless of feeding method, as neither breast milk nor formula fully meet the vitamin's needs. Due to the limited supply of vitamin D from food and insufficient skin synthesis, it is necessary to provide vitamin D in an age-appropriate dose.

What dose is typically recommended for young children? Around 400 IU per day – this dose helps maintain optimal vitamin D levels in the blood and prevents deficiencies that can negatively impact bone development and immunity. For older children, pediatricians may recommend higher amounts to fully replenish the deficiency.

The best form of vitamin D for children?

Not sure which form of vitamin D is best for children? Many parents choose to start with vitamin D3 drops; this is an ideal formula for infants and very young children. As they get older, you can continue using the drops or switch to capsules, tablets, or even vitamin D gummies!

More and more parents are discovering that vitamin D3 supplementation in this latest form—gummies—is the best choice for their children! They're a convenient and attractive alternative to traditional supplementation. Gummies resemble sweets but contain a precisely measured daily dose of vitamin D. Furthermore, they stand out for their taste, natural ingredients, and ease of administration—children consume them without hesitation, and often with great enthusiasm.

High-quality vitamin gummies (e.g., those from Lab One) are sugar-free, gluten-free, and gelatin-free—they use plant pectin and natural flavors. This makes them safe, even for children with food allergies, and they don't cause tooth decay. These are some of the best vitamin D supplements available!

Does your child have difficulty swallowing capsules or dislike the taste of drops? To ensure their vitamin D levels are healthy, be sure to try these gummies. Taking vitamin D in this form will surely become a pleasant ritual.

Summary

Vitamin D3 plays a crucial role in a child's proper development – a deficiency can affect the skeletal system, immunity, and brain function. Due to diets low in vitamin D, for example, vitamin D supplementation is recommended for most children for much of the year. The appropriate dose of vitamin D depends on age, weight, and sun exposure and should be selected according to current recommendations. A convenient and effective form of vitamin D3 for children can be found in gummies, which facilitate daily administration. Remember, regardless of the form – vitamin D should be taken regularly!

Want to learn more about vitamin D supplementation and treatment? Be sure to start by having your child's vitamin D levels tested. This will help you determine if they are deficient. Then, consult your doctor for the recommended dose for your child.