Vitamin D Deficiency in Kids

In today's modern world replete with luxuries of life, most of us seldom find time to sit in the sun rather we have been so well acquainted with this lifestyle that we don't want to relinquish it. Our new generation  prefer playing x-box rather than playing badminton or tennis in the sun. Albeit there are some health conscious people around us even now but candidly, they can be counted on fingers.

We are faced today with diseases which are as a result of our own lazy habits. Vitamin D deficiency is a very common occurrence today especially in Asian countries which is a surprising thing. I call it surprising because Allah Almighty has blessed us with beautiful seasons all year long. We have a long summer season and we can get as much Vitamin D as we want to do but we stay indoors and keep our children too caged in their rooms which we think is right so as to save themselves from the scorching heat but we forget in the process that playing outside for some time is very important for them. It doesn't have to be in blazing sun; they can even  play in the late afternoon. Vitamin D is essential in order to absorb calcium for our bones from blood.

We as parents have a responsibility to note our child since he starts walking. If one feels that the gait is not right, immediately see a doctor because God Forbid, if Vitamin D deficiency is not treated at an early age, its acute deficiency can lead to rickets. Sometimes even when your child (according to you) is getting enough sunshine or best quality fortified milk ,she can have vitamin D deficiency because you never know she is getting enough or not. So never rely on your assumptions. Make sure she gets her daily intake of vitamin D and calcium.
 

Main dietary sources of vitamin  are sunshine, fortified milk (cheese and yogurt), fortified orange juice, eggs, salmon fish and cod-liver oil. My grandma used to give cod-liver oil to her kids when they were kids and none of the six has any vitamin d deficiency. Good food definitely leads to a healthy tomorrow!

 

 Give ample time to your kids and that doesn't mean sitting with them while he is playing and you are watching your favorite soap. It means taking note of their each and every need be it mental or physical because you don't want to repent whole life thinking that you didn't nurture you child in the best possible way.

Make sure she eats well, plays well and sleeps well.