Vitamin D for babies: Why are vitamin D drops essential for babies between 0 and 12 months?

Vitamin D It is an important nutrient that plays a significant role in managing overall health, especially bone development and immune function. It also helps the body absorb calcium, which is important for developing and maintaining strong bones and teeth. Unlike other vitamins, the body can produce vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight and is therefore also known as the “sunshine vitamin.”

You can also get vitamin D from foods such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified products or through supplements. When you are deficient in vitamin D, it can cause several health problems, including weakened bones, rickets in children, and osteoporosis in adults. It can also increase the risk of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disorders and autoimmune diseases. Adequate vitamin D levels are particularly important for infants, the elderly, and people with limited sun exposure.

Since babies do not consume many foods rich in vitamin D or are exposed to too much sunlight, this can lead to a deficiency of this vitamin which could affect their health in the long run. Therefore, they should be given vitamin D, which will prevent the deficiency and also improve their overall health.

Here, take a look at why vitamin D drops are important for babies 0-12 months.

Bone development

Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, which is essential for healthy bone and teeth development in infants. Without adequate vitamin D, infants are at risk for developing rickets and growth delays.

Strengthens the immune system

Vitamin D plays an important role in strengthening the immune system, thus protecting babies from infections and diseases. Babies with adequate levels of vitamin D are less likely to suffer from respiratory infections.

Limited sun exposure

Babies under 12 months are often kept out of direct sunlight to protect their sensitive skin from harmful UV rays. This reduces the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D naturally, so it’s important to take supplements.

Helps in muscle function

Vitamin D also contributes to healthy muscle function, which is important for babies as they grow and develop motor skills such as crawling, sitting, and walking. An adequate amount of vitamin D helps ensure proper muscle strength and coordination.

Preventing long-term health problems

When you have enough vitamin D during childhood, it helps reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases later in life, such as osteoporosis, type 1 diabetes, and certain autoimmune diseases.

Brain development

Research suggests that vitamin D plays an important role in brain development and function, thereby influencing mood, cognitive abilities, and overall mental health. When adequate levels are present during childhood, it can contribute to optimal brain development and reduce the risk of developmental delays.

Prevention of rickets

Rickets is a serious bone disease that can cause pain, growth retardation, and bone deformities. Because babies have limited exposure to the sun and cannot get enough vitamin D through breast milk alone, supplementing with drops is important to prevent this disease, especially in exclusively breastfed babies.

Insufficient vitamin D in breast milk

Breast milk is highly nutritious, but it does not contain enough vitamin D to meet an infant’s needs. Formula-fed babies may also need supplements if their formula intake does not meet the recommended daily amount, especially during the first few months.