Vitamin D Should Be Given To Kids Yet Most Parents Aren't Aware Of The Benefits, Says Study

Do You Know How Important Vitamin D Is For Your Kid?
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With children prone to fussy eating, getting goodness into your kids can be a tough job for parents.

Encouraging your children to eat fruit and veg is tough enough, but did you know children should also be taking food supplements to provide them with extra vitamins?

The majority of parents are ignoring health guidance and not giving their children essential vitamins, new figures suggest.

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The survey, commissioned by the Health Food Manufacturers' Association (HFMA), found that 64% felt their children were getting enough vitamin D from their diets alone.

The poll, which saw 10,000 UK adults questioned, including 5,800 parents, found that 76% of people didn't know that youngsters are advised to take vitamin D supplements.

And more than a third said there was not enough information available about food supplements.

Last year, England's chief medical officer Professor Dame Sally Davies recommended that all under fives should receive free drops or tablets containing vitamins A, C and D.

At present only low-income families qualify for free vitamins on the NHS but there are rising concerns about the number of children who develop rickets - the most common cause of the bone condition is a lack of vitamin D.

Health officials have estimated that 40% of children are not getting enough vitamin D.

The best source of vitamin D, which is essential for keeping teeth and bones healthy, is sun on the skin. It only occurs naturally in a few foods, such as oily fish and eggs, and is added to some items such as fat spreads and breakfast cereals.

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Foods With Vitamin D
Salmon(01 of07)
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There are a number of seafood options with a hearty dose of vitamin D. Salmon is high on the list; three ounces of canned sockeye clocks in at nearly 650 IUs, more than you need in one day. And three ounces of fresh sockeye has almost 450 IUs. (credit:Flickr:BrownGuacamole)
Canned Tuna(02 of07)
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Three ounces of light tuna canned in water packs 154 IUs, nearly a third of your daily recommended intake. Tuna packed in oil contains even more vitamin D, but be aware that oil means more fat. (credit:shutterstock)
Sardines(03 of07)
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Another canned option is sardines. Two of the little fish pack 46 IUs, about 13 percent of your daily recommended value. (credit:Flickr:jules:stonesoup)
Egg Yolks(04 of07)
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One large egg yolk contains 37 IUs of vitamin D. Eggs are also a great source of protein, and while, yes, they do contain dietary cholesterol, they haven't been linked with an increased risk of heart problems -- so go ahead and make 'em sunny side up. (credit:Flickr:mary_thompson)
Cheese(05 of07)
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A slice of Swiss contains about 6 IUs and is less processed (and contains less sodium) than a cheese like American, Fitness magazine reported. A cup of ricotta cheese has 25 IUs, but we'd suggest a smaller amount, since it's also high in fat. (credit:shutterstock)
Beef Liver(06 of07)
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Three ounces of liver contains 42 IUs of vitamin D, and while it might not be the first thing you reach for, liver also happens to be a good source of iron. (credit:Alamy)
Mushrooms(07 of07)
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Certain fungi, when exposed to more sunlight, or to indoor ultraviolet light, can contain beneficial levels of vitamin D. Since most mushrooms are grown in the dark, check for sun-grown brands at a store near you. (credit:Flickr:woodleywonderworks)

Dr Adrian Martineau, vitamin D expert and clinical reader in respiratory infection and immunity at Queen Mary University of London, said: "One key reason why so many are deficient is because since the 1990s, in an attempt to reduce the risk of skin cancer, most of the developed world has become increasingly adverse to sun exposure.

"In addition, vitamin D is also a fat-soluble hormone and as such, gets stored in the body's fat reserves - where it is unable to carry out its normal role. With rising levels of obesity, more of us have greater amounts of body fat and this is reducing the effective levels of vitamin D.

"This further highlights the importance of supplementation in this nutrient as a public health issue."

HFMA's executive director Graham Keen added: "The public needs access to straightforward, responsible information about how essential vitamins and minerals work.

"Everyone should know that the best solution for most people to consume key nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, is to eat as healthy a diet as possible. However, it should be recognised that a daily food supplement provides important insurance for millions looking to safeguard their nutritional intake."