An interesting piece in the NY Times today discusses Vitamin D deficiency in babies and toddlers. According to the article, many breastfed children are lacking the nutrient due to many mothers’ insufficient quantity of Vit D in their breastmilk. Additionally, children are not exposed to the sun as they once were, which pediatricians feel could be contributing to the depletion. Many doctors don’t test children for Vitamin D, so the deficiency (which can cause bone deformations and rickets) can go without being diagnosed.
It’s rare, but no surprise that breastmilk can have a low level of Vitamin D, but many mothers are breastfeeding for longer these days, which means they need to be mindful of their intake of Vitamin D and monitor that of their kids. Those with darker skin, women who cover their skin for religious reasons, and those who don’t go outside at all are at higher risk.
In this day and age, when medicine is run by insurance companies, most pediatricians see many kids each day and office visits might entail only some measurements and a shot or two. It’s up to parents to be their children’s advocates if they see any reason for concern. As with most health issues, prevention is the healthiest and simplest way to solve this problem.
One way to cheaply and easily get enough Vit D is through exposure to sunlight (the body makes D naturally, but only when skin is exposed to sun). While it’s true that we need to be cautious of sun damage and prevent overexposure, spending a bit of time outdoors each day can be a good thing for both you and your baby. Less than 10-15 minutes of sun daily is safe (if you use sunblock of 8 or higher, you won’t be able to absorb the UV rays that help make Vitamin D) for most people.
Foods that naturally contain Vitamin D include: eggs (yolk only), fatty fish, milk and fortified cereal and milk products (like many soymilks). If you are vegan, there is good info about it here.
Cod liver oil is an excellent source of Vitamin D. One tablespoon has 3 times the recommended daily value.
08/27/08 » 7:09 am »
I’ve started sitting outside in the sunshine for at least 15 minutes every day. It feels great and it’s the nicest way to get D (and an excuse to sun my cheeks).
08/27/08 » 7:10 pm »
Great post… good info for Mommas to know!
08/28/08 » 7:26 pm »
Thanks for this post. My brother’s entire tv-addicted family has been diagnosed with Vitamin D deficiency and their doctor told them, uh-um, that it’s ‘completely normal’ in the north of the US. Yeah, if you never leave your house or eat well. It was frustrating to hear him pass it off as though it’s ok to sit inside all day since the weather is less-than-80 degrees.
08/29/08 » 3:52 am »
The Obvious answer is that they need to make TV emit rays that encourage vitamin D creation by the body….LOL
08/29/08 » 10:42 am »
Isn’t it amazing how we have become such an indoor culture in so many ways. I am so grateful to move away from this. Kill your television!! We are in the process of euthanasia with ours.
09/03/08 » 4:18 pm »