Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in keeping our bodies healthy, particularly as children. It helps the body absorb calcium and regulate phosphorus, which aid in building strong bones and teeth. Kids need vitamin D to help prevent rickets, a condition that causes weak bones and deformities, and other bone-related conditions. It also helps strengthen the immune system and can even help reduce the risk of certain types of diseases. But exactly why is vitamin D so important for kids? Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of this crucial vitamin for children’s health.

Vitamin D can come from many sources, one of them is through sunlight exposure. The sun’s rays help convert vitamin D in the skin into a form that is usable by our bodies. Ideally, kids should get some natural sunlight every day to ensure they're getting a good source of this vital nutrient. It’s no surprise that children living in far northern latitudes, like Fairbanks, are at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiencies due to the limited access to natural light. Vitamin D can be found in a variety of foods, including fortified milk and cereals, eggs, cod-liver oil, and some types of fish. Additionally, breast milk contains many amazing vitamins and nutrients, including some vitamin D. All Alaska infants under age 1 need extra vitamin D in addition to breast milk or formula.

Vitamin D is essential for helping children grow strong bones and teeth. Not only does it help absorb calcium from food sources into the body, but it also helps with muscle contraction and nerve cell communication, as well as promoting healthy blood pressure levels and immune system function. With so many potential benefits associated with proper levels of this important nutrient, and the limited sunlight we have mid-winter here in Alaska, it’s a great time to take a look at how much vitamin D your child is receiving.

All Alaskan children are at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiency because we are exposed to less sun living in Alaska compared to some sunnier locations. Alaskan infants, toddlers and adolescents can all benefit from vitamin D. We, along with our provider colleagues on the Foundation Health Partners pediatric team, make recommendations based on the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the Alaska Division of Public Health. In accordance with these guidelines, Alaskan breastfeeding babies need a supplement of 800 international units (IU) per day, and formula-fed babies need a supplement of 400 IU per day until they are 1-year-old. Children older than 1-year need 600 – 1,000 IU daily. Children on certain medications and those who suffer from chronic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, may need higher doses of vitamin D. Consult your child’s pediatrician for guidance for children with an increased risk of deficiency.

Vitamin D can be obtained at local grocery stores and most drug stores. There are many different brands available. For infants and toddlers, there are liquids that can be used for supplementation. For older preschoolers and school-age children, there are liquids, gummies and chews. Adolescents, and children who can swallow pills, also have the option of tablets. Just be sure that you choose a developmentally appropriate option for your child to reduce the risk of choking. 

Check the vitamin aisle at your favorite store to choose what might work best for your child. Here are a few examples you may come across:

How to administer: You may give your child vitamin D either with a syringe directly into the baby’s mouth, by placing the drops on the nipple of a bottle or breast, or by placing drops on a clean finger to allow the baby to suck on.

As with all medications and supplements, vitamin D supplements should be kept out of a child’s reach. If you have questions about what might work best for your child, reach out to their pediatric provider to discuss.

Laura Brunner, MD, and Celina Clift, MD, are board-certified pediatricians at Foundation Health Partners. Dr. Brunner is the medical director for the Fairbanks Memorial Hospital (FMH) Pediatrics and NICU Units. Dr. Clift is the medical director for the outpatient pediatric department at Tanana Valley Clinic. Together, Drs. Brunner and Clift work with the Foundation Health Partners pediatric team to provide compassionate, patient centered care to Interior Alaska’s children.