Why Vitamin D3 is Essential for Children and Pregnant Women?

Rickets is a bone disease of young children due to a lack of Vitamin D. Cod liver oil administration was observed to cure the disease. It was not until some 150 years later that the etiology was discovered. In the decade of the ‘20s, it was shown that the lack of something in the diet was the culprit. McCollum found that a substance contained in fat could prevent the disease. Later, Vitamin D was identified and its elucidation of its metabolic production from cholesterol led to a Noble prize. Two forms of Vitamin D exist: D2 and D3. D2 (calciferol) is not synthesized by the body but is found in plants and mushrooms. D3 or cholecalciferol is made in the skin from 7-dehydrocholesterol in the presence of sunlight or from certain foods like fish and fish oils and eggs and liver. Both D2 and D3 can be utilized to form the hormone.

In young children between six and eighteen months of age, Vitamin D is required to produce good teeth and bone growth. Without an adequate amount of Vitamin D, the bony calcification does not occur. Bones are weak and pliable. Thinning of the skull is seen. In the absence of Vitamin D, teeth are susceptible to caries and decay. The role of the hormone made from the prohormone Vitamin D, which is what doctors now consider Vitamin D to be, is to regulate calcium and phosphorus metabolism. It helps the body absorb and retain calcium. The hormone assists in the utilization of the minerals.

The amount one should take is now subject to some discussion. For children, it is recommended that they take 200 international units a day from birth on. Pregnant women are put on Vitamin D3 supplements of up to 2000 units per day. If breast fed, the babies should also receive supplementation of 400 units per day and 800 if living in northern climates. These doses are safe.

Rickets has essentially disappeared in the US since milk has been fortified with Vitamin D. It is a very safe addition. Very large doses of Vitamin D (up to 10,000 units per day) have been taken without problems being observed. Trouble may occur at doses of 40,000 units per day.

If there is any question about the level of Vitamin D in the body, several blood tests are available to determine exact levels. Calcidiol levels (the form in which Vitamin D is stored in the body) are used to determine over dosage or alternatively can be used to determine if one receives an adequate dose. Many adults take 50,000 units every few weeks for very low levels of Vitamin D and are monitored by calcidiol levels in the blood. Vitamin D appears to be a safe vitamin for children and adults. One should consult their doctor to consider if they need supplementation, especially in northern climates. If any question comes up, one can obtain a blood level and with your doctor, figure out what to do.