by Danelle Karth

Created on: February 15, 2008

Understanding Vitamins and their usage in our bodies isn't always easy. Because of this, it is easy to get confused and even to worry if we are getting enough vitamins in our day to day lives. This concern is magnified when it comes to our children and their health. We want what's best for them and we want to make sure they have what they need to grow healthy, strong, and safe.

But worrying about a vitamin D deficiency isn't something we have to do in developed nations. There are several reasons for this and together they make sure that we get a fair amount of Vitamin D.

Vitamin D is fat soluble.
Vitamin D is fat soluble, meaning a little of it can last in the body for quite awhile. It takes time for it to leave the body and therefore it can be stored and used as needed for longer then a day or two. This means, what you body consumes and makes today can help to make up for not getting enough tomorrow.

Vitamin D is provided in many food sources.
While foods that are naturally high in vitamin d aren't consumed often enough to cover the needs of a child, there are many foods that children often consume that are fortified with Vitamin D. This includes 99% of the U.S. milk supply, many ready to eat cereals, and some cheeses. These fortified foods help increase our intake of Vitamin D. Foods that are sometimes eaten that contain Vitamin D include eggs, many types of fish, and liver (though I haven't met very many kids who where big on liver!). Most children get a significant intake of Vitamin D from the foods they eat.

Sunscreen use, only when in sun for long periods.
The body naturally makes vitamin d in the skin when it is exposed to UV rays. This happens less and less for kids these days because use of sunscreen has become more and more popular. As we understand the effects of the sun on aging skin, skin cancer, and other issues we work hard to protect ourselves and our children from issues.

While sunscreen use has become widespread, it isn't done for all occasions. In fact, it is usually only used when known, long periods, of sun exposure is going to occur. Often parents don't lather their kids up for car rides, quick walks, or for doing normal daily activities. It is during this time that the body can use the sun to make Vitamin D. It takes only 10-15 minutes for the body to absorb enough UV rays to make a days worth of Vitamin D.

We also don't apply sunscreen if we are going to be in the shade or it is cloudy out. However, shade blocks just 60% of UV rays and clouds

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