All people need vitamin D. For infants, it is especially needed. With its help, normal bone development occurs. In human skin, there is an enzyme that is converted under the influence of the sun's rays into vitamin D.
For infants growing in climatic conditions that do not allow sunbathing, a deficiency of this element is a very urgent problem, as it is a direct cause of rickets. In practice, the classic form of this disease is often detected. The insufficient concentration in which vitamin D is present in the body for infants is a cause of impaired absorption of calcium and its deposition in the bones. This problem is often found in children aged two to three months. As a result of the violations described above, softening and thinning of bones, disruption of the central nervous system occur. As a rule, the disease worsens in early spring, late autumn or winter.
Signs such as excessive sweating during sleep and feeding, changes in the behavior of the child (timidity, moodiness) may indicate that the baby has rickets. In this case, the attending physician may prescribe vitamin D.
For infants, a deficiency of this substance is also fraught with the development of muscle weakness. In the future, there is a violation in the formation and strengthening of the musculoskeletal system. As a result, the baby begins to roll over late, walk and so on. There are external changes. The child’s stomach grows noticeably, diarrhea and constipation become frequent. Further, in the absence of treatment, the baby's head becomes flat, the size of the head increases significantly, areas of bone softening appear, the forehead becomes convex, the ribs are thickened, the legs are crooked and so on.
If the first signs of rickets appear immediately, you should visit a pediatrician. The disease is characterized by both acute and sluggish course. Relapses are also possible, most often occurring in winter. The resulting disease must be stopped. Otherwise, its consequences may remain for life. Confirmation of the diagnosis is carried out after a blood test and x-ray.
Vitamin D for infants is often prescribed as a preventive measure. Doctors advise giving preference to aqueous solutions because of their lower toxicity. The most effective drugs are D3, as they contribute to the fact that the child develops its own vitamin D.
For infants, instructions for taking the drug are determined by the attending physician. As a rule, 500 IU is prescribed for prevention. This dosage covers the needs of the child and is safe for his development.
It should be noted that the use of mixtures does not exclude vitamins. The dosage in this case is determined only by the doctor.
As a preventive measure, admission is allowed throughout the winter period. Prescribing dosages in excess of prophylactic involves six-day breaks every twenty-one days of use.
Independent use of vitamin D is unacceptable. All appointments should be carried out only by a specialist. At the same time, inspections and verification of tests should be carried out regularly.
Vitamin D is recommended to be taken during the day (in the second half) with meals. The physiological need of the child in the first year of life is 400-500 IU per day.
We should not forget that there is a possibility of an overdose of vitamin. Due to the accumulation of calcium salts in the blood, poisoning of the body can occur. In addition, the child may have intolerance to the drug. Therefore, before the appointment, it is necessary to determine the sensitivity of the body to vitamin D.
According to experts, healthy, full-term babies who are breast-feeding do not need additional intake of any vitamins.