Vitamin D and why it's essential for kids' health

Both adults and children need Vitamin D to help absorb phosphorus and calcium into the bloodstream, which in turn helps to build and maintain strong bones. You may know the importance of calcium for kids' bone health. However, you may not be aware that Vitamin D is equally important to assist kids' with heaving strong bones.

When kids get calcium, it is important to have healthy levels of Vitamin D in their system to help absorb it in the gastrointestinal tract. There are two types of vitamin D.

​One is Vitamin D2 which comes from plants and Vitamin D3 which are produced by our skin when its exposed to the sun. Both are important and assist with our bone health. With less sun exposure during winter months, there is less chance for kids to get vitamin D "the natural way".

So what foods offer Vitamin D?
Unfortunately, there is a small number of foods that offer this important vitamin naturally.
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​For example, fatty fish (salmon or tuna), dairy like cheese and yoghurt, beef liver, soy, etc. Unfortunately not every child will be excited about having beef liver or fish as their meal, so parents end up supplementing with vitamins to bridge that nutritional gap.
Another way of getting Vitamin D is sun exposure of 10 to 20 minutes per day. However, it isn't the best idea for kids living in New Zealand due to a very harsh sun which can burn your skin within these 20 minutes. And of course, your body won't make vitamin D if you're wearing sunscreen. Another concern is the risk of skin cancer, so parents should be aware of this and protect their kids' precious skin.

That is why so many parents choose to include Vitamin D supplement in their kids' diet. It is so important, but not so easy to get naturally. Choose natural vitamins like Childlife Essentials with no processed ingredients to help support your kids’ during their growth and development.