Why Vitamin D Is Important for Children's Bone Health

Vitamin D is an important nutrient that supports many different processes in the body. It’s a factor in so many aspects of human health and it plays a key role when it comes to building and maintaining strong, healthy bones. 

Sometimes called ‘the sunshine vitamin’, vitamin D is interesting as it functions as both a vitamin and a hormone, regulating calcium and phosphate levels in the body. 

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium from food, ensuring that dietary calcium is available to help build and maintain strong bones and teeth. Without sufficient vitamin D, the body may struggle to absorb enough calcium, which may influence bone health.

Why Is Vitamin D Important for Kids?

Vitamin D is especially important for children, as it supports the bone growth and development that occurs during childhood. This period sets the foundation of a strong skeletal system that will support them throughout their lives.

A lack of dietary vitamin D intake, or inadequate sun exposure, may lead to low Vitamin D levels in the body. Ensuring adequate levels of vitamin D during childhood helps support healthy bones and helps to maintain Vitamin D levels in the body.  

Vitamin D also plays a role in children's overall wellbeing by supporting dietary calcium absorption bone strength, health, mineralisation, as well as supporting immune system health and function. It helps maintain a strong foundation for bone health and support healthy bones. 

Does Vitamin D Help Bones Grow Stronger?

Vitamin D plays a role in bone mineralisation, a process that fortifies the skeletal system, keeping bones strong and healthy.

Vitamin D supports the absorption of dietary calcium and phosphate – two key minerals that work together to form and strengthen bones. Without adequate vitamin D, the body may not be able to effectively utilise these minerals.

Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphate are a trio of nutrients that play a role in supporting children’s bone health. Calcium is a primary building block of bones, while phosphate and vitamin D also support bone health. 

By ensuring that bones are properly mineralised, vitamin D supports healthy bone growth, which  is especially important during the period of growth and development that occurs during childhood and adolescence.

Does Vitamin D support Children’s Growth and development?

Vitamin D plays a key role in various physiological processes in the body which overall supports the body's healthy growth and development. 

As Vitamin D plays a key role in bone health, mineralisation and development, children with sufficient Vitamin D levels are likely to have greater support for bone health than those with inadequate Vitamin D intake. 

Natural Sources of Vitamin D

Sunlight exposure is the primary source of vitamin D, as the body produces it when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Encouraging kids to spend time outdoors – while practicing safe sun habits like avoiding overexposure – can assist in maintaining their  vitamin D levels. 

In addition to sunlight, certain foods are rich in vitamin D, including fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, as well as egg yolks.

Many everyday products, such as milk, orange juice, and cereals, are also fortified with vitamin D, making it easier to incorporate into a balanced diet.

When additional support May Be Needed

While ensuring Vitamin D from dietary intake or sun exposure is preferred, there are times when supplementation might be necessary to meet a child's vitamin D needs.

Children who have limited sun exposure – such as those living in areas with long winters, those who spend most of their time indoors, or those wearing protective clothing – may not produce enough vitamin D from sunlight alone.

Dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian or vegan diets, may also limit intake of foods naturally rich in vitamin D.

In these cases, healthcare professionals may recommend vitamin D supplements to ensure adequate levels are maintained. Before introducing supplements, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the right dosage and ensure the supplement meets the child’s specific needs.

The amount of Vitamin D required varies based on individual needs  and factors like diet, skin tone, geographic location, and time spent outdoors.

For example, children living in areas with limited sunlight or those with darker skin may need additional vitamin D.

Always follow dosage instructions and consult a healthcare professional before starting supplements to ensure they are necessary and appropriate for the child’s age and health needs.

Supporting bone health in the long term

Adequate vitamin D during childhood lays the foundation for strong, healthy bones. Vitamin D helps calcium absorption and a diet deficient in calcium can lead to osteoporosis in later life.

Ensuring children maintain healthy vitamin D levels in the body during their growing years is an important step in supporting bone health, strength, mineralisation and development.

Benefits Beyond Bone Health

Beyond bone health, vitamin D plays a key role in supporting overall wellbeing. It contributes to a healthy immune system, helping the body fight illness, supporting healthy teeth and muscle health. By prioritising adequate vitamin D intake in childhood, parents can help set the stage for maintaining healthy growth and development in childhood.