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 source 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:

• How to boost immunity using vitamin D for kids

Signs of vitamin D deficiency in children

This includes stunted growth and rickets, a condition which involves softening of the bones.