According to a recent study, up to 70% of America's youth don't get enough vitamin D. A nationwide evaluation has confirmed that appropriate levels of this nutrient in young people have been dropping steadily for almost twenty years. Because vitamin D is linked to strong bones and a reduced risk of diabetes and certain types of cancer, it's important to make it a part of everyday life. Overcoming Nutritional Deficiency in Children: Vitamin D Supplements Vitamin D supplements can help parents ensure that their offspring are getting a sufficient amount. While the American Academy of Pediatrics stresses the importance of getting some from sources such as sunlight and foods such as milk and fish, the Academy also acknowledged that it is difficult to get enough of it from natural sources. The Academy recommends getting at least 400 units of vitamin D daily. Some pediatricians and researchers go even farther, suggesting as much as 1000 units daily. Vitamin D supplements are now available in liquid, tablets, capsules and chewable gummies, making it easy for parents to find a supplement their kids can easily take on a daily basis. Why Today's Children Are At Risk Children today spend less time in the sun and often use sunscreens that filter out the UV rays that produce the vitamin. As they grow older, they also tend to drink less milk, another vital source of nutrients. If a child isn't drinking four glasses of milk a day, he or she may be getting insufficient amounts of vitamin D. Among U.S. residents under age eighteen, there are certain groups that are at even greater risk, including girls, overweight individuals, and African-American and Hispanic children. Today's computer and television culture has contributed to the general decline in D vitamins because so much time is spent indoors focusing on sedentary activities. To start your kids back on the path to good health, limit the number of hours they can spend using electronics and encourage them to participate in physical activities that can be done outside, where fresh air and sunshine can improve their overall health. To increase absorption of vitamin D from the sun, let your children play or exercise outside for fifteen minutes each day with no sunscreen. In order to prevent sunburn, be sure to apply a good sunscreen or sun block after the first fifteen minutes. If your kids don't like to drink milk, look for vitamin fortified foods such as orange juice and yogurt. In many cases, however, even increased sunlight and fortified foods aren't enough. Choosing The Right Supplement For Your Children Vitamin D supplements are an easy, affordable way to improve your family's health, protect their growing bones and teeth, and boost their resistance to serious illnesses. If your kids don't like to swallow capsules or tablets, some pediatricians recommend giving them supplements that are more palatable, such as chewables or gummies that taste like candy. Look for trusted brands that use all natural ingredients, including natural flavors without added dyes or chemicals. You want what's best for your children; vitamin D supplements are one way to protect their health now and in the future.
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