8 signs of vitamin D deficiency in children you should know

Lack of vitamin D will adversely affect the child's development. Therefore, you should early recognize signs of vitamin D deficiency in children to supplement promptly.

Lack of vitamin D can harm your baby . However, few people can be sure that your baby is deficient in this vitamin or not. The following article, aFamilyToday Health will help you recognize the signs of vitamin D deficiency in children to supplement and take preventive measures.

How much vitamin D do babies need to get?

Depending on the age, the amount of vitamin D your baby needs will vary. You can refer to the dosage as follows:

Babies under 12 months need 10 mcg per day

Babies over 1 year old need 15 mcg per day.

Cause your baby is deficient in vitamin D

There are many causes of vitamin D deficiency in children, such as:

You have vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy

You have vitamin D deficiency while breastfeeding

Prolong breastfeeding because the longer you breastfeed, the less vitamin D is in your breast milk

Baby is less exposed to sunlight

Babies are always covered too carefully when going out

Your baby gets too much sunscreen

Baby has dark skin

Suffering from diseases related to vitamin handling

Children have a strict diet such as vegetarian or not eat fish.

Signs of vitamin D deficiency in children

It is difficult to determine if your baby has vitamin D deficiency or not without a blood test. However, there are still some signs that suggest this that you should look out for:

1. Soft skull

Immediately upon birth, the infant's skull is not yet connected, but between them there are spaces, called joints. The depression between the joints is called the fontanelle. Tents help the skull to be flexible so that the baby can pass birth easily. Usually, a baby's skull will connect and harden after 19 weeks.

However, if your baby is deficient in vitamin D, this process can be hindered. Your baby's skull will still feel soft even after 19 weeks. This is a dangerous condition for infants. It can increase your risk of traumatic brain injury.

2. Head sweat

The baby's head always sweating is a sign that the child's skull is inflamed due to lack of vitamin D.

Usually, the child does show a bit of perspiration if it is too hot. However, when your baby sweats too much, you should take him to the doctor. Vitamin D deficiency can be easily treated. If caught early, you can protect your baby against other dangerous complications.

3. Deformed bones

Vitamin D deficiency in children also affects the development of bones. If your baby has rickets , it could be because their bones are not developing properly. This is a sign that your baby has a vitamin D deficiency.

Deformed bones can cause a baby's spine to curl, legs and sternum abnormal development.

4. Retarded

When your baby is deficient in vitamin D, you'll find it takes a long time for your baby to reach developmental milestones. Some of the most obvious signs are that the baby is unable to crawl on its own or the baby has difficulty getting up.

You may also notice that the baby's limbs are abnormally swollen due to improper bone development. Take your baby to the doctor if you suspect developmental delay or other serious medical problem.

5. Weak muscles and joints

Lack of vitamin D makes children feel uncomfortable and achy all over. This is when a baby is often fussy or dissatisfied when held.

In addition, the muscles and limbs of the child also weakened. If you find your baby has a lot of trouble lifting their own head, you can also think that your baby is deficient in vitamin D.

6. Respiratory tract infections

Vitamin D deficiency also leads to a weakened immune system. Therefore, children are more likely to catch colds or catch respiratory infections than other children.

7. Tooth decay

One of the earliest signs of vitamin D deficiency is the start of dental problems due to weakened bones. Doctors have also shown that children with vitamin D deficiency are more susceptible to tooth decay than other babies.

8. Stomach problems

If your baby has frequent stomach upset, it may be due to a lack of vitamin D. However, not all stomach problems come from the cause above, but if in the case the child often has stomach problems. And the risk of this bowel is very high.

Prevention way

Vitamin D deficiency can be easily prevented and treated. Here are some things you can try to prevent vitamin D deficiency in your baby:

Adequate vitamin D intake during pregnancy and lactation.

Exposure to the sun regularly for a short time.

Feed your baby foods rich in vitamin D.

Take vitamin D supplements with medications. However, this should only be done when directed by your doctor.

Vitamin D deficiency is a fairly common condition in both children and adults. If you feel worried, you should take your baby to the doctor for advice and treatment. Exposure to sunlight can help prevent this. In addition, you should also provide your baby with a nutritious diet.