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In this week’s podcast, we dive into the relationship between immunity and vitamin D in kids.
What is Vitamin D?
We discussed the two main types of vitamin D.
There are two types of vitamin D:
- vitamin D3, the animal source also known as cholecalciferol
- vitamin D2, obtained from plant sterol, also known as ergocalciferol
How does the body make ‘active’ vitamin D?
When skin is exposed to sunlight, it triggers the production of provitamin D which is then further activated by the liver and finally the liver to the active form of vitamin D which has a role in maintaining levels of calcium and phosphorus in the body.
Vitamin D also has a role in immunity. Plant-based sources of vitamin D may not be as effective at raising blood levels of vitamin D.
How does vitamin D help immunity?
In summary immune cells in the body also contain receptors needed for cells to be able to use and activate vitamin D, suggesting it has a role in immunity.
How much vitamin D do babies need?
This will vary from 8.5-10 ug per day. More detail in the blog post:
Signs of vitamin D deficiency in children
This includes stunted growth and rickets, a condition which involves softening of the bones.
Other useful blog posts:
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