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By Kinza Asghar Khan, PharmD

Up-Dated at 04-Feb-2024

5 Reasons Why You Can't Compromise On Your Infant's Vitamin D intake?

Parents want nothing but the best for their child’s health and well-being. One of the most crucial nutrients for an infant’s growth and development is Vitamin D.

Unfortunately; many infants are deficient in this essential vitamin, which can lead to serious health problems down the line. In this blog post, we’ll discuss five reasons why you can’t compromise on your infant’s Vitamin D intake and what you can do to ensure they’re getting enough of it.

Vitamin D is necessary for strong bones

Vitamin D is essential for developing strong, healthy teeth and bones in babies. It helps the body absorb calcium, crucial for forming and maintaining teeth and bones.

Without adequate Vitamin D levels, a baby’s body cannot absorb calcium properly, weakening bones and teeth. Without sufficient Vitamin D, bones may become weak and brittle, making them more prone to fractures.

Vitamin D also plays a crucial role in preventing tooth decay and gum disease in babies. Research has shown that Vitamin D deficiency in babies can lead to increased rates of tooth decay and gum disease, as well as developmental defects in teeth and jawbone.

Vitamin D prevents rickets

Vitamin D is essential for preventing rickets, a rare but serious condition that affects the bones of babies and young children. Rickets is characterized by weak and brittle bones, which can lead to skeletal deformities and growth problems.

Vitamin D plays a critical role in bone health by facilitating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the body.  Rickets is caused by a deficiency in Vitamin D, which can occur due to inadequate sunlight exposure, a lack of Vitamin D-rich foods, or a medical condition that affects the absorption of nutrients.

Vitamin D boosts immunity

Vitamin D is well known for its role in maintaining strong bones and teeth in babies, but it also plays a crucial role in boosting the immune system.

The immune system is responsible for defending the body against infections and diseases. A deficiency in Vitamin D can weaken the immune response, leaving babies more susceptible to infections.

Research has shown that Vitamin D deficiency in babies can increase the risk of respiratory infections like the flu and pneumonia. Vitamin D helps boost the immune system by activating T-cells, which are white blood cells that play a critical role in fighting infections.

Vitamin D helps in cognitive development

Vitamin D is not only important for the physical health of babies but also for their cognitive development.

Studies have shown that Vitamin D plays a crucial role in brain development and function.

Deficiency in vitamin D may lead to cognitive impairments in infants and young children.

Research has found that babies with low Vitamin D levels are at a higher risk of developing cognitive and behavioral problems later in life, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Vitamin D is involved in many processes critical for brain function, including neurotransmitter synthesis, nerve growth, and regulation of gene expression. It also forms and maintains the blood-brain barrier, which protects the brain from harmful substances.

Vitamin D can prevent chronic diseases

Vitamin D is a powerful nutrient linked to preventing chronic diseases in babies. Chronic diseases are long-term health conditions that can significantly impact the quality of life. They are often costly to manage as well.

Research has shown that Vitamin D plays a crucial role in preventing several chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some types of cancer. Studies have found that low levels of Vitamin D in babies may increase the risk of developing diabetes later in life.

Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure and heart disease. Vitamin D has also been shown to play a role in reducing the risk of certain types of cancer, including breast, colon, and prostate cancer.

What are the 5 signs of vitamin D deficiency to not ignore?

Here are five signs of Vitamin D deficiency that are specific to babies and infants:

  • Delayed growth: Vitamin D plays a critical role in bone growth and development. A deficiency in this nutrient can lead to delayed growth in babies and infants, including delayed teeth and bone growth development.

  • Soft skull: Softening of the skull bones is a common sign of Vitamin D deficiency in infants. This condition, known as craniotabes, causes the skull to feel soft and spongy to the touch.

  • Irritability: Vitamin D plays a role in regulating mood and behavior. Infants with a deficiency in this nutrient may be more irritable and fussy than usual.

  • Sweating: Excessive sweating, especially on the forehead, is a sign of Vitamin D deficiency in infants. This sweating can occur even in cool environments and may accompany a rash.

  • Respiratory infections: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system. Infants with a deficiency in vitamin D may be more prone to respiratory infections, such as colds and flu.

Are vitamin D drops necessary for babies?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all breastfed babies receive a daily Vitamin D supplement of 400 IU (International Units) starting in the first few days of life. It is continued until they are weaned and get at least 400 IU of Vitamin D from foods.

Formula-fed babies typically receive enough Vitamin D from their formula, but healthcare providers may still recommend a Vitamin D supplement if the baby is not drinking enough formula.

Since breast milk and formula do not contain enough Vitamin D to meet a baby’s daily needs, a supplement is recommended for breastfed babies.

Now Begins MedCal-D Vitamin D3 drops is an optimal formulation for your child’s needs. Trust us to provide a reliable, effective, and safe Vitamin D supplement for your child’s health and development.

Infants who receive adequate exposure to sunlight may not require a Vitamin D supplement, but this can be difficult to achieve safely, especially for babies living in areas with limited sunlight or during winter when sun exposure is reduced.

Speak with your baby’s healthcare provider about their Vitamin D needs and develop a plan to ensure they receive adequate levels of this important nutrient.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ensuring your baby receives adequate Vitamin D levels is crucial for their overall health and development, including strong bones, a healthy immune system, and cognitive development.

Vitamin D deficiency can have serious consequences, including rickets, delayed growth, and other health problems. It’s important to speak with your baby’s healthcare provider about their Vitamin D needs.

To fulfil a child’s needs, Vitamin D supplements or other sources of Vitamin D, such as fortified foods, are used.

At Now Begins, we understand how important it is to provide high-quality products and guidance for new parents. That’s why we offer a range of products that are designed specifically for babies and infants, with dosages and formulations that are safe and effective.

In addition to our products, we also provide resources and guides to help parents navigate the challenges of parenthood, including tips on nutrition, health, and wellness.

We believe every parent deserves access to reliable information and support, therefore we are committed to providing that to our customers.

Visit our website today to learn more about our products and resources and start your journey to a healthier, happier baby.

References

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