VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENT SIDE EFFECTS SKIN

If your child is at risk of low vitamin D, they may need may need lifelong supplements, and you need to make sure they spend enough time outside (see below).Ĭhildren with low vitamin D also need enough calcium in their diet. Once low vitamin D is treated, the aim is to make sure vitamin D levels stay normal. It is always good to bring your child’s medicine when you see the GP so they can check what your child is taking. Of vitamin D tablets and mixtures, and some of them are very strong. It is important to know that there are lots of different types Tell your GP if your child is taking any vitamin D tablets/medicines, as too much vitamin D can also cause problems. Vitamin D tablets or mixtures can be low dose (taken daily) or high dose (taken monthly or less often). If the convulsion lasts more than five minutes, call an ambulance. If your child has a seizure that lasts less than five minutes, take them to the nearest hospital emergency department as soon as the seizure has finished. Take your child to the GP if they show any symptoms of low vitamin D or low calcium.Ĭhildren who are at risk of low vitamin D should have a blood test three months after beginning to take supplements, to check their vitamin D level. cystic fibrosis, coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease) and some medicines (such as some epilepsy medicines). Children with conditions affecting how the body absorbs and controls vitamin D, such as liver disease, kidney disease, problems absorbing food (e.g.A baby will get their initial store of vitamin D from their mother so, they are at risk of low vitamin D if their mother has low Breast milk is the best type of food for babies, but it does not contain much vitamin D. Breastfed babies who have one or more of the above risk factors.those who stay inside or who wear covering clothing.

VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENT SIDE EFFECTS SKIN

Children whose skin is rarely exposed to the sun e.g.The dark colour of their skin (melanin) acts as a natural sunscreen and increases the time they need in the sun to make vitamin D naturally. Low calcium can also cause seizures (convulsions or fits), particularly in young babies. Low vitamin D can cause low calcium, which can lead to muscle cramps in children. Rickets only occurs when children are growing – if a child has softer bones from low vitamin D, the bones can bend and cause 'bow legs' or 'knock knees', as well as other changes.

Very low vitamin D can lead to soft bones, causing rickets in children and a condition called osteomalacia ( os-tee-oh-mah-lay-shee-ah) in adolescents and adults. Many people with low vitamin D do not have symptoms, but some children with low vitamin D get bone and muscle pain.

Signs and symptoms of low vitamin D (or vitamin D deficiency) Vitamin D is made in the skin when it is exposed to the sun.Īs well as causing problems with bones and muscles, there is evidence that low vitamin D is linked to other health problems including: a higher risk of bowel cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, problems with immunity (how the body fights infections) andĪutoimmune diseases (including diabetes). Margarine, baby formula and some types of milk have added vitamin D, but most people only get about a quarter (or even less) of their vitamin D needs from food. Only a few foods (some types of fish) naturally contain vitamin D, and it is hard to get enough vitamin D from food alone. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphate from food, which are important for healthy and strong bones. Vitamin D is important for bone and muscle health.

Vitamin d supplement side effects