At the paediatric clinic with my little one, in conversation with the paediatrician…
Me: My son is not sleeping well, anxious and not in a good mood most of the times. He also seems tired all the time these days […amongst other issues].
Paediatrician: What are his vitamin D levels? When did you last have them checked?
Me: (confused) uhh …umm – are his sleep and moods connected with his Vitamin D levels??
Amazing benefits of Vitamin D for your kids and yourself
Disclaimer: I am not a qualified medical health professional—just a mum who has had her fair share of experiencing vitamin and mineral deficiencies in the family and learnt the importance of them the hard way, and after speaking with many nutritionists and doctors.
While I always knew that this wonderful ‘sunshine vitamin’ helps with healthy development of bones and teeth, I did not realise that it plays a critical role in many other bodily functions too. Apparently, it has numerous other benefits for us.
In addition to its primary benefit, research suggests:
1. Vitamin D may regulate mood and reduce anxiety and/or depression:
This benefit, alone, was such a big eye-opener for me as my son has been severely deficient in Vitamin D. He has been having sleep issues along with increased anxiety. Even though he loves staying outdoors all day long, his body does not seem to be absorbing enough vitamin D from the sun.
2. Vitamin D may prevent diseases:
Vitamin D’s role in regulating the immune system has led researchers to investigate:
- If vitamin D deficiency contributes to the development of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), type 1 diabetes, where the body’s immune system attacks its own organs and tissues?
- Could vitamin D supplements help boost our body’s defences to fight infectious disease, such as tuberculosis and seasonal flu?
While the jury is still out, low levels of Vitamin D have been linked to increased risk of autoimmune diseases. Links have also been established between low vitamin D levels and cancer cell growth, and heart diseases such as hypertension.
Flu and the Common Cold: The flu virus wreaks the most havoc in the winter, abating in the summer months. This seasonality, several scientists published papers suggesting that vitamin D may be the seasonal stimulus as vitamin D levels are lowest in the winter months.
3. Vitamin D may prevent falls and fractures
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, and develop bone health. As Vitamin D increases muscle strength, it is theorised that it may as such prevent falls. As such links have been drawn between increased risk of fractures and falls in older adults.
4. Vitamin D lowers risk of premature birth
The benefits of Vitamin D extend to pregnant women. The risk of premature birth decreases when vitamin D blood levels are sufficiently adequate.
5. Vitamin D may affect cognitive impairment
Low levels of vitamin D are associated with substantial cognitive decline. Low levels may be especially harmful to executive functions of the brain and body.
My family and I have now become a lot more diligent in regularly consuming Vitamin D supplements (on doctor’s advice). As it’s hard to get it enough from food (especially if you are a vegetarian like me and don’t eat fish), the best way to get enough vitamin D is through supplements, and the sun ofcourse.
It would be great to hear your views if you have experienced or come across Vitamin D deficiency in your family, and if you saw any effects as a result?
By sharing our experiences and stories, we can help each other out enormously.
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