Sometimes the letters of the vitamins sound like practicing the A-B-C’s, but there’s more to the vitamins than just their letters! Each vitamin has a unique role in supporting your kiddo’s health and development. Among these essential nutrients, vitamin D is particularly unique because it can be made from sunshine or found in foods and supplements. Let’s learn more about vitamin D benefits and why it’s important for kids.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is important for overall health and wellness for all ages.* Vitamin D comes in two main forms in foods and dietary supplements – vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D is the overall name for the different sources of vitamin D.
Vitamin D has several important roles in the body:
The Daily Value for vitamin D is 15 mcg (600 IU) for children ages 2-3 years and 20 mcg (800 IU) for children ages 4 years and above.
There are three different ways to add vitamin D to your kiddo’s day:
There’s a reason why vitamin D is often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin!” Our skin has the unique ability to create vitamin D from sunlight. Sunshine through a window doesn’t produce vitamin D though, so your kiddos do need to be outside to reap the benefits. How much vitamin D is made from the sun depends on several factors, such as:
If you have any questions or concerns about how much vitamin D your child is getting, please talk to your healthcare provider.
Vitamin D is available in a few foods. Some have vitamin D naturally in them, while others are fortified with vitamin D.
Food | Serving Size | Amount of Vitamin D |
---|---|---|
Trout, cooked | 3 ounces | 16 mcg |
Salmon, cooked | 3 ounces | 14 mcg |
2% Cow’s Milk | 1 cup | 2.7 mcg |
Soy Milk, fortified with vitamin D | 1 cup | 3 mcg |
Egg | 1 egg | 1.25 mcg |
Ready to eat cereal, fortified with vitamin D | Serving size listed on package | 2 - 4 mcg |
Orange juice, fortified with vitamin D | 1 cup | 2 mcg |
Note that some canned tuna is a good source of vitamin D, but check the package nutrition label to make sure.
Since it’s not always easy to get vitamin D from the sun or food, vitamin D supplements are available that can help your kids get vitamin D every day.
There are a variety of kid-friendly supplements that include vitamin D. L’il Critters provides a few yummy gummy options your l’il ones will be sure to enjoy:
Vitamin D is a rockstar for kids! It helps support strong bones, promotes the absorption of calcium, and supports immune health.* While vitamin D is only found in a few foods, your kiddo’s body can make vitamin D from the sun. But if you’re worried they aren’t getting enough vitamin D, L’il Critters has your back with a variety of tasty gummies to support your child’s health and development.*
Brought to you by the L’il Critters™ nutrition experts.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.