Reasearch is mounting about the role of vitamin D in the body[2]:

Because this family of hormones is great at developing partnerships with other hormones, they are able to bind to nuclear receptors.  The take away lesson from this is that they influence gene expression. That's right - they can help determine whether your daughter needs to suffer with the osteoarthritis that your mom and Grandma Sue have had to deal with or if your son will die early of a heart attack like his uncles and grandmother.  

Some of vitamin D's favorite partnerships are with vitamin A, thyroid hormone, and variations of growth hormone.[2] Vitamin D almost always binds to its receptor in conjunction with the vitamin A receptor, which binds the vitamin A or the omega-3 fatty acid DHA. Dr. James Dowd, MD, who as worked extensively with vitamin D in his clinical practice, explains the relationship this way, "In the nucleus of the cell, it sits as judge and jury, deciding which genes are turned on and which are turned off.  We aren't just talking a seat on the front row--vitamin D and its partners vitamin A and DHA are conducting the orchestra." This is precisely why we recommend Nordic Natural's Arctic D Cod Liver Oil - your child gets the D, the A and the DHA.
 

What is the Optimal Level of Vitamin D?
Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in infants and children should be at least 50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL), based on the available evidence.[1]  Dr. Dowd, M.D., who has worked extensively with Vitamin D in his clinical practice recommends levels are between 50 and 70 nmol/L for optimal health.[2]
 

What Test Should I My Doctor Order?
The best laboratory indicator of adequate vitamin D is serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH vitamin D). 
 

Isn't Viatmin D Fortified Milk and Food Enough?
Vitamin D2, which is often added to foods to "fortify" them, is not as bio-available as the D3 form. Vitamin D3 is found to be 3 times as effective in raising the level and maintaining the level of active vitamin D in the bloodstream. So relying on fortified foods is not a great way to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D in the body. Few foods contain Vitamin D naturally, with eggs, dried shitake mushrooms and fatty fish being exceptions.
 

What About Breastfed Babies?
While vitamin D deficiency is more common in breast-fed infants, breast feeding is still the best option for your baby if possible.  Whether your baby is formula-fed or breast-fed, it is important to follow the AAP's guidelines and make sure your baby is receiving at least 400 IU of vitamin D daily.  It is also smart to ask your pediatrician to check your baby's vitamin D levels regularly.  

 

If this is the only message you embrace from The Vitamin D Cure, you will have changed the health of your family for generations to come.
 

What about Sunlight and Vitamin D?
Our bodies make vitamin D with the help of the sun - specifically UVB rays. Unprotected sun exposure for children today is almost unheard of.  Children are often slathered in sunsreens with high SPFs, eliminating all chancesof their bodies producing even a fraction of the necessary vitamin D. While it is smart to avoid sunburn, it is wise to gradually let your child's natural protection in the form of melanin increase. Using a protective hat, clothing and a nontoxic sunscreen help lessen the use of more toxic sunscreens. 

Because children with darker skin have more natural protection, they need more unprotected sun time to produce vitamin D.  The bottom line is the only way to know for sure if your child's vitamin D levels are optimal is to have them tested.
 

Can My Child Get Too Much Vitamin D?
It's possible, but not likely. If your child's vitamin D level is less than 100 (and most are way less!) and her vitamin D intake is less than 60 IU per pound (or about 10,000 IU per day) toxicity is highly unlikely.[2]

When using a supplement that includes vitamin A and vitamin D, such as cod liver oil, follow recommendations so that your child's vitamin A intake is not too high. Symptoms include:  nausea, blurred vision, vomiting, rashes, headaches, lack of coordination and dizziness.

If you are a mom or thinking about becoming a mom, this is not information you want to file in the back of your mind for the day you have more time to check into it. Optimizing your child's (or child-to-be's) vitamin D level is one of the best gifts you can give to your child. Call your doctor today and find out if your child has been tested. If not, you know what test to ask for, and along with all the other benfefits, testing vitamin D level before flu season will lessen your child's chance of getting the flu!
  

Angelle Batten, MEd. is a Holistic Health & Parenting Coach and co-founder of nourishMD. She teaches parents how to feed their children REAL food and parent in a more connected way every day - so despite a crazy busy life they can raise healthier, happier children who make the world a better place.


Sources:  

1. American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines for Vitamin D Intake. Pediatrics. Published online October 13, 2008. 2008;122:1142-1152.
2. The Vitamin D Cure by James Dowd, MD