One of the most essential vitamins that helps prevent many health issues and strengthens the immune system against viral infections is Vitamin D. Various studies have shown that Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the maturation of the immune system in children. Additionally, higher concentrations of Vitamin D have been linked to a reduced risk of respiratory infections. Vitamin D deficiency in schoolchildren can also lead to fatigue, attention difficulties, and learning challenges. This is because the development of nerve cells is closely linked to Vitamin D. It plays a significant role in skull and brain development, directly impacting a child’s cognitive abilities and learning potential.
Therefore, it is particularly important to ensure that your child maintains optimal Vitamin D levels year-round. Many assume that the summer sun provides enough Vitamin D reserves, but don’t make that mistake! In our northern latitude, there is insufficient UVB radiation from October to early May, meaning that the sun is too weak to produce Vitamin D in the skin. Just as water doesn’t boil at 80°C, Vitamin D synthesis cannot occur without adequate UVB exposure. Even during summer, getting Vitamin D from sunlight is a gamble—it’s only possible for about a month and a half and just a few hours per day in clear, sunny weather. Additionally, sunscreen use prevents Vitamin D synthesis, but children’s delicate skin must always be protected from harmful UV rays.
Vitamin D3 is found in food, but given children’s often poor dietary choices, relying solely on food sources isn’t sufficient. Only about 2% of Estonian children aged 2–9 receive adequate Vitamin D from food. Higher Vitamin D levels have been observed in children who play outdoors more frequently, watch less television, and spend less time on digital devices.
In our climate, both children and adults must supplement Vitamin D year-round. The maximum safe daily doses recommended by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) are:
- 1,000 IU (25 mcg) for infants under 1 year old,
- 2,000 IU (50 mcg) for children aged 1–10 years,
- 4,000 IU (100 mcg) for children over 11 years old.
It’s also worth noting that Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the production of serotonin and dopamine, also known as the “happiness hormones.” To help your child stay focused, motivated, and successful throughout the school year, reward them daily with delicious tutti-frutti-flavored Pro Expert Vitamin D gummy buttons. Make it a habit to ask your child every day, “Did you take your Vitamin D today?”
Wishing you a happy and healthy start to the school year!
