Question
A parent inquired, her daughter was found to be deficient in vitamin D during a physical examination. What types of food or nutrients should she supplement? What are the effects of vitamin D on the body?
Answer
Vitamin D primarily functions to promote the absorption of calcium in the human intestines. Generally, if a child lacks vitamin D, they may experience symptoms of calcium deficiency, such as excessive sweating at night, grinding teeth, leg cramps, and delayed growth. It is recommended to give the child oral supplements containing vitamin D, such as Eicosapentanoic Acid (EPA), and consider increasing sun exposure to synthesize vitamin D in the body, while also promoting the absorption of calcium from food. Food sources with high vitamin D content include liver, milk, and egg yolks. Additionally, it is suggested that the child should get more sunlight to enhance the synthesis of vitamin D internally and promote the absorption of calcium from food in the intestines.