The Vitamin D Dilemma: Why Kids Need More Sun And How to Safely Get It

Many parents will agree with the fact that vitamin D is not present much in food sources that kids are likely to eat. Feeding kids balanced nutrients with a proper daily vitamin D intake can be tricky because the amount of vitamin D required in the body is much higher at younger ages. This is because vitamin D and immunity are majorly required for bone and structural growth in the body. Another popular source of vitamin D is the sun. Get to know why kids need more sun and how to safely get it with tips and tricks alongside different food sources as alternatives. Make sure to give a thorough read to know better.

Understand Vitamin D Better

Vitamin D is one of the major nutrients that helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus for bone and structural development. It is also essential for immunity and stronger disease resistance, making the child healthy and strong. Vitamin D is essential for a child's growth for various reasons, such as good bone density, stronger bones, good teeth, better gums, faster injury recoveries, good height and body structure, and stronger immunity. Now that you know about vitamin D, it is better to understand why kids need more sun and how to get it safely for vitamin D absorption.

Why Kids Need More Sun And How to Safely Get It?

Vitamin D is not abundant in food sources if parents seek a well-balanced diet. One of the major sources of vitamin D is exposure to the sun. Sunlight contains lots of vitamin D, which is absorbed by the skin and used for several functions, like bone and body development in kids. Nature is surely amazing and giving. Another good thing about vitamin D from the sun is that the vitamin D from the skin is absorbed faster by the body. Parents must have heard from their elders that playing out in the sun is good physical exercise for kids to grow healthy and sharper. However, because of global warming and overpopulation, it has become extremely difficult for kids to get vitamin D from proper sun exposure. Harsh sunlight contains harmful UV rays, which can affect the external body, leading to skin cancer and other skin diseases. Parents need to apply sunscreen according to the harsh sunlight on their children's bodies to make it safer for them to play outside. Also, it is recommended that the child play outside early in the morning when sunlight is soft instead of playing in the heat on harsh afternoons. Morning sunlight is precious for kids to stay healthy and active. Exercising daily in fields or playing can be considered a good Vitamin D source.

What Are The Alternatives Of Sun time?

The different food sources rich in vitamin D can be given to kids as an alternative to vitamin D from the sun.

Dairy products:

Many dairy products are closely associated with Vitamin D and can instantly make a child's diet vitamin D-rich. ● Milk: When talking about dairy products, milk is the first thing that comes to mind. Milk helps with calcium intake and Vitamin D so that kids can grow stronger and sharper. ● Paneer: Paneer is another tasty dairy product that can be made into delicious curries and tandoors. Make sure you are providing your kid with healthy and tasty food at the same time. ● Cheese: Kids love cheese immensely, and a moderate amount of cheese can also provide a good amount of vitamin D for kids to devour their lunch and make it healthy as well. ● Yogurt: If you want a good breakfast, why not serve yogurt to your kids for optimum health benefits? It is a perfect summer breakfast to keep your kids refreshed and fulfilled for longer periods of time.

Greens:

Spinach and some other local greens are famous for their vitamin D content. Spinach is a superfood that can be beneficial for not only vitamin D but also various other vitamins covering a spectrum of micronutrients. Greens can be made into salads, curries, bhujia, or anything your kids like, according to their preference. Conclusion Now that you know why the sun is important for the human body and why humans are not nocturnal. Let your kids be outside for some time, enjoying themselves and getting most of the vitamin D from the sun for healthy growth and a sweeter childhood. Also, various food sources mentioned for a good Vitamin D intake and an overall vitamin D-rich diet.