Seasons may change, but needing D3 remains

Whether your kids are off to summer camp or making a snowman in the park, growing bodies need the right fuel to stay energized and healthy all year long. Vitamin D3 is an important part of nourishing growing kids because it’s involved in things like building strong bones and teeth, supporting muscle development and immune system health. Ensuring your kiddos get enough of this super vitamin, even in the summertime, is an important step to make sure they’re ready to take on everything that comes their way! Together we’ll learn about vitamin D3, what it does in the body, and why our families need to get enough of it.

The power of vitamin D

There are two main types of vitamin D: D2 and D3. Vitamin D2 is often produced by plants, whereas vitamin D3 is produced by our skin when it’s exposed to sunlight. Fittingly known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D3 is shown to be used by our bodies to help absorb and regulate calcium levels. This essential mineral aids in supporting the development of strong bones and teeth. Research has also shown that vitamin D helps with immune cell response and overall healthy immune function. We usually rely on time outside in the sun to get D3 because sunlight triggers its production in our skin (more on this below!). We can also get vitamin D3 from fatty fish and dairy.

What does vitamin D deficiency look like in children?

When kids don’t get enough vitamin D3 they can show symptoms like:

• Sleepiness or being more tired than usual
• Bone pain or muscle weakness
• Low energy
• Growth and development delays
• Grumpy moods
• Frequent infections

In rare cases, some kids with vitamin D3 deficiency experience poor growth and dental problems.

How do kids get vitamin D?

Sunlight exposure

Summer Time:

When we’re exposed to UVB rays from direct sunlight, our skin is able to produce vitamin D3. Interestingly, studies show that there’s a link between skin pigment and vitamin D production. The amount of vitamin D made by the body can depend on things like skin tone and pigmentation with darker skin pigmentation requiring more time spent in direct sunlight.

Balancing sun safety and vitamin D production is a tricky thing–it’s important for kids to get enough of the sunshine vitamin, but they also have to be protected from the risks of too much sun exposure. While sunscreen and hats are essentials for protecting our skin during the summer, they block UVB rays from direct contact with our skin, reducing or preventing vitamin D3 production.

Winter Time:

The colder Canadian months (usually October to April) are when the UVB rays are the weakest, meaning our skin produces less vitamin D3 during these months. Even on the sunniest winter days, the sun’s angle or placement in the sky and other atmospheric conditions often prevent adequate UV exposure.

D3 food sources

While the sun is one of our main sources of vitamin D3, relying on sunlight alone may not always be enough, especially for us Canadians. Natural sources of vitamin D3 are often found in foods like fatty fish like salmon or sardines and egg yolks. You can also get vitamin D3 from fortified dairy foods like milk, margarine and even some cereals. Got a picky eater at home? No problem! There are more ways to ensure your family is getting enough vitamin D3.

Supplementing with vitamin D3

Giving kids a vitamin D3 supplement is one of the best ways to ensure they get enough of it, supporting their growth, health, and ability to learn about the world around them. They’re especially great for infants, breastfed babies, and children who aren’t in the sun as much or who have dietary restrictions.

When looking for a vitamin D3 supplement for your kids, it’s important to consider things like dosage, ease of use, and child-friendly formulations to ensure you’re getting the best option for your family. Talking to your child’s healthcare practitioner is a great way to see if they need a boost of vitamin D3.

Knowing when to supplement

Kids need vitamin D at different times depending on their age. For little ones, Health Canada recommends that all breastfed babies take a vitamin D supplement each day. When it comes to toddlers and older children, vitamin D supplementation is recommended during winter months, for children with less time spent in the sun, or as directed by their healthcare provider.

Sunshine in a bottle from Orange Naturals

Here are two vitamin D3 supplements specifically formulated to support growing children and healthy immune systems.

Each drop of Kids D3 400IU delivers 400 IU of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), suspended in medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil from coconut for enhanced absorption that’s easy on little digestive systems. It’s infused with a natural orange flavour for a juicytaste, making it easy for children to enjoy.

Every drop of Kids D3 Drops 1000IU ensures 1000 IU of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). It’s also made with medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil from coconut for enhancedabsorption and gentle digestion on growing tummies. It’s flavoured with a hint of natural orange flavour that the kids will love.

How much vitamin D3 do your kids need?