Vitamin D is a very essential component for bone health, especially for children. A recent study has raised a series of questions about the actual benefits of vitamin D supplements to maintain the bone health of children. Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium, which is very essential for maintaining strong bones. Deficiency of Vitamin D in children can attract sicknesses like rickets. The bones become weak leading to frequent fractures, even in the slightest injuries. To prevent this, children are often given Vitamin D supplements. But are they efficient? Let us find out.
Recently, researchers from Harvard, TH Chan School of Public Health and the Queen Mary University of London conducted a study regarding the effectiveness of Vitamin D supplements. The study found that the supplements that are often used are not significantly effective in maintaining bone health of children.
As a part of the study, 8851 school children aged between 6 and 13 from Mongolia, who had Vitamin D deficiency and a history of bone fractures were given Vitamin D supplements weekly for nearly three years. Despite a significant increase in Vitamin D levels, the researchers witnessed no improvement in bone health.
The researchers reached the conclusion that Vitamin D supplements alone are not sufficient to improve children’s bone health. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium, factors like regular diet, physical activity and regular lifestyle play a key role in maintaining proper bone health. Let us know some often-used ways to improve the bone health of children:
Foods that are rich in calcium and Vitamin D: Ensure your child’s regular diet includes foods that are rich in Vitamin D and calcium. Foods that are good sources of calcium are milk, cheese and yoghurt. Foods like fatty fish, cereals and egg yolks are rich in Vitamin D.
Physical Activity: Activities like running, jumping, and playing any sport can help in maintaining proper bone health. Encourage your children to play outside as it helps to make the bones stronger.
Exposure to sunlight: Sunlight is an excellent source of Vitamin D. Allow your children to play outside during the daytime as it helps to acquire Vitamin D from sunlight. Strong sunlight can cause skin damage, so the timings should be maintained.
Regular Lifestyle: Proper sleep, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding sugary drinks and snacks can help a person to maintain proper bone health. Consuming a nutritious diet daily can help in building strong bones.
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