How to increase your child's Vitamin D intake

Vitamin D is essential for children to develop properly; it keeps blood pressure in check, helps in the production of good cholesterol and prevents conditions like rickets. There are many simple ways to increase your child's Vitamin D intake.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   Milk fortified with Vitamin D

   Do more then just make them drink their milk. Dairy products are typically fortified with Vitamin D2; however, the vitamin D2 is added and is not the same as the natural occurring vitamin D3 produced in the skin through sun light exposure. A balance of both types for Vitamin D should be sought for intake by children.

2. 
    
   The right amount of sunlight produces Vitamin D

   10 to 15 minutes of direct sunlight daily is a good way to get the needed amount of Vitamin D (D3). This may sound easy; however, in a video game society many children are luck to spend half this time getting direct sunlight from outdoor activity. Keep in mind that more then 15 minutes not only starts to degrade the Vitamin D by shifting the bodies equilibrium but can also start to harm the body due to excess radiation. After 15 minutes apply a sunscreen before letting your child continue to play in the sun.

3. 
    
   Tuna high in Vitamin D

   Oily fish species like tuna or herring are high in natural Vitamin D as well as Omega-3 fatty acids they actually lower cholesterol and feed the brain.

4. Keep your child's diet balanced. All Vitamins require certain combination of other vitamins, enzymes, proteins and minerals to work properly. It is best that as much of these chemicals come from natural sources. Supplements can be a great way of adding Vitamins to the diet that are hard to come by in the foods that are readily available in your area; but can not compete with the natural occurring varieties in food.

Tips & Warnings

• Always remember balance and equilibrium; too little sunlight can be harmful but so can too much.
• Sunlight can also be addictive; your children might find they actually like being outside and turn off the video games and kick around a ball or play a game of hide and seek.

[mvalora]

on 9/22/2009 Good article on increasing your child's Vitamin D intake.