Improve your child’s health with vitamin D

Recent research studies have shown that vitamin D, also known as the bone builder vitamin, may also offer an array of wellness benefits Have you ever wondered why certain children are bubbling with energy most of the time while others are plain lethargic? This energy is reflected in their enthusiasm to not only do their daily activities with aplomb, but also learn and excel at new things. Such supra-active kids score on two counts over their lethargic counterparts - adequate exposure to sunlight, and adequate intake of vitamin D. Children's daily food intake is crucial. Of all the advice meted out to mothers in regard with their children's diet, milk occupies numero uno position. This is because the calcium in it aids muscle and bone growth, which is absorbed with the help of vitamin D. Namita Jain, clinical wellness specialist at Bombay Hospital, informs, "Vitamin D is the most crucial vitamin needed by our body. However, many parents are unaware of its importance. In fact, not many mothers know that most children who are vegetarian and do not get adequate sunlight, are vitamin D deficient, which in turn leads to bodyache and pains." Vitamin D and nutrition What most mothers need to realise is that adequate vitamin D is required for the body to absorb calcium. It is important to note that not all dairy products, such as cheese or yogurt, contain vitamin D. "Food choices like eggs, milk, fish rich in omega fatty acids and cod liver oil are excellent sources of vitamin D," advises Jain. Apart from this, Jain suggests, "Children must indulge in body strengthening exercises and outdoor activities that help the bones absorb vitamin D and calcium." Research studies by Ipsos, a reputed market research agency, have shown that a large percentage of mothers are aware of vitamin D being responsible for bone building but not many are familiar with its other health benefits. Kids who get adequate vitamin D in their regular diet can expect better health across the board; they get fewer diseases, have stronger bones and muscles, and are less prone to depression, pain and inflammation. So how does vitamin D help your child's body? - It regulates calcium and phosphorus: In fact, vitamin D plays a major role in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and in their proper utilisation. This helps keep our bones and teeth strong. - Immune system regulator: Vitamin D enhances your immunity, as well as inhibits the development of destructive auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and multiple sclerosis. - Potent anti-inflammatory: Vitamin D is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, which may also contribute to its effectiveness in reducing some types of muscular pain. - Helps regulate blood sugar levels: Those children with lower levels of vitamin D are more susceptible to diabetes. - Helps lower blood pressure: Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D helps reduce the risk of hypertension. "If your child complains of bodyache often, get a blood check up done to detect his vitamin D levels," says Jain. Unfortunately, urban lifestyles and poor dietary intake are causing health issues that not many parents are aware about. It's time to take a reality check - a vitamin D check! In fact, not many mothers know that most children who are vegetarian and do not get adequate sunlight, are vitamin D deficient, which in turn leads to bodyache and pains- Namita Jain Clinical Wellness Specialist, Bombay Hospital. From the research, a higher percentage of mothers were aware that vitamin D is responsible for stronger bones, boosting activeness and empowering their overall immunity.