Summer has come to a close, kids across the country are trading in their flip flops and getting new school shoes and clothes. As this happens, many may also be trading in their ability to absorb vitamin D.

According to a new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, the majority of American children aren’t getting sufficient vitamin D from sun exposure, even in summer months. In fact, the only group that researchers found to achieve the minimum daily dose of vitamin D were Caucasian children living in the Northern United States, and this only occurred during the summer months if they did not wear sunscreen. Children with all skin types living in the South had higher levels of vitamin D than children with all skin types living in the North.†

The “Sunshine Vitamin”

Vitamin D promotes absorption of calcium and therefore is essential for building and maintaining strong and healthy bones. It also has an important role in cell growth, muscle movement and immune function. Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin” because our bodies manufacture it upon exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet rays with a wavelength between 290 and 315 nanometers). Most people begin to synthesize vitamin D after about 10 to 15 minutes of exposure to bright midday sun.

How much vitamin D do kids need?

The Food and Nutrition Board, a national group of experts, recommends the following daily intakes for vitamin D:

Unfortunately, children who spend most of their time indoors, live in Northern areas with fewer sunny days, or have darker-colored skin are at higher risk for vitamin D deficiency. This can be due to several factors. Skin exposed to sunlight through a window will not produce vitamin D. Cloudy days and shade also cut down on vitamin D production. Darker-skinned people have higher levels of melanin, which blocks UVB radiation and limits their bodies’ ability to synthesize vitamin D. As well, many people use sunscreen or even purposefully avoid sun exposure due to fears of harming their skin.

Food sources of vitamin D

This new study is just the latest in a growing body of evidence that clearly shows the importance of alternative sources of vitamin D, including consuming vitamin D-rich foods and supplements.

Foods rich in vitamin D include cod liver oil; cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna; fortified foods such as orange juice, milk, cereals, and yogurt; and eggs.

Kid-friendly nutrition from Youngevity®

The following products from Youngevity are excellent sources of vitamin D as well as other nutrients that can help kids grow healthy and strong:

• Kid’s Toddy® from SupraLife. This liquid supplement provides growing children with a full spectrum of nutrients, including 200 IU of vitamin D and other vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and phytonutrients. It is especially formulated for children ages 2 through 12, and provides the essential nutrients to support their development. It contains no yeast, dairy, wheat, soy, gluten, starch, or artificial flavorings and has an “Outrageous Orange” flavor that kids love!*
• Majestic Earth® Cheri Mins™ from Youngevity. With today’s hectic schedules, moms want to make sure their kids are getting nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong. Great-tasting Cheri Mins™ features Majestic Earth® Plant Derived Minerals™, the most advanced liquid supplement available!*
• Osteo-fx™ Plus from Youngevity. Osteo-fx Plus features our signature Majestic Earth® plant derived minerals plus vitamin D3, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and other nutrients to support the development of healthy bones and joints.*
  

“Resolve Today to Make the Best Use of Tomorrow”

†Source: Godar DE, Pope SJ, Burgess Grant W, Holick MF. Solar UV does of young Americans and vitamin D3 production. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2011 August 18. [Epub ahead of print.]

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.