Vitamin D for toddlers

Hello sunshine

The essential nutrient that's hard to come by

Vitamin D is essential for your toddler’s normal bone development and has other important functions in the body, such as supporting immune function. Generated by the body in response to sunlight, it is also available from a limited number of foods. However, it can be a challenge to get enough through diet and sunshine alone. Discover why supplementation is recommended, and what the risks are of not getting enough.

An essential ingredient for growing bones

Your toddler’s absorption of calcium and phosphorous depend on sufficient levels of vitamin D. This makes it essential for normal bone development and maintenance of healthy teeth.

With your toddler’s bones growing and strengthening at a rapid rate, a steady, adequate supply of vitamin D is vital for optimal development during this stage.

Why many toddlers aren’t getting enough vitamin D

Unfortunately in Ireland, we do not get enough sunshine to make enough vitamin D needed, especially during the winter months (October-March) and even if we did, your toddlers skin is very sensitive to to sunlight and should not be directly exposed to the sun

Food sources help to increase vitamin D intake, but they don’t contain enough for an adequate supply.

There are only a few food sources of vitamin D such as oily fish like salmon or sardine, eggs, fortified cereals or fortified toddler milk. Aptamil Toddler Milk is fortified with vitamin D to support your toddler’s normal bone development at this important stage; two 150ml beakers provides 100% of your toddler's daily requirement.

Supplement to be safe

Due to the challenges involved in getting sufficient vitamin D during the winter months, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and the Department of Health now recommends a daily supplement of vitamin D in toddlers.  They recommend that all 1-4 year olds are given a vitamin D-only supplement of 5 micrograms everyday from Halloween to St Patrick’s Day.

Understanding vitamin D deficiency in children

Insufficient intake of vitamin D can lead to a deficiency, which can increase your toddler’s risk of serious health issues, specifically:

  • Rickets – significantly low levels of vitamin D for a prolonged period can result in soft, poorly-formed bones
  • Other conditions – vitamin D deficiency has been associated with increased risks of conditions including type 1 and type 2 diabetes, allergies, asthma and cardiovascular disease

You can reduce the risk of your toddler developing future health complications related to vitamin D deficiency by ensuring they get sufficient amounts during toddlerhood and childhood.

Next steps

Boost your toddler’s food intake of vitamin D with the following small meals and snacks:

  • Sardines on toast triangles
  • Tuna and sweetcorn mayonnaise on a jacket potato
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Fortified breakfast cereal as breakfast or snacks

Your baby's future health begins here

At Aptaclub, we believe that experience helps to build resilience; and that each new encounter, whether in pregnancy or after birth, can shape your baby’s future development. With our scientific expertise and one-to-one round the clock support, we can help you and your baby embrace tomorrow.

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Get in touch with our Careline experts

Our nutritionists and feeding advisors are always on hand to talk about feeding your baby. So if you have a question, just get in touch

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Important notice

Breastfeeding is best for babies and provides many benefits. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, you eat a varied, balanced diet. Combined breast and bottle feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of your own breastmilk, and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. Always consult your healthcare professional for advice about feeding your baby.

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