Why do we need to supplement calcium with vitamin D?

Calcium and vitamin D are inseparable from our human body, even in this day and age. Today's parents all hope that their children can grow up healthily, so when supplementing calcium, they must also add vitamin D to promote the body's absorption more effectively. So, why do we need to supplement vitamin D with calcium?

1. First understand the role of calcium and vitamin D in the human body

Calcium is an important component of the human body, accounting for 1.5 to 2 percent of human body weight, of which 99 percent is found in bones and teeth. Calcium plays an important role in the excitability of vitamin nerves, blood coagulation, muscle contraction and relaxation, glandular secretion, and activates a variety of enzymes. Calcium is mainly regulated by parathyroid hormone, calcitonin and 1.25-(OH)D3. Calcium absorption also requires a certain amount of phosphorus. Phosphorus deficiency will also affect calcium absorption.

Vitamin D mainly works together with the parathyroid gland to maintain stable blood calcium levels. It is one of the important regulatory factors of calcium and phosphorus metabolism, maintaining normal levels of calcium and phosphorus, which is necessary for normal bone mineralization, muscle contraction, nerve conduction and the function of all cells in the body. Vitamin D also has immune regulatory function and can change the body's response to infection.

2. Do babies need to supplement calcium and vitamin D?

The answer is yes. Infants are in a period of rapid growth and development, and their demand for vitamin D is relatively high. The level of vitamin D in breast milk is relatively low. Vitamin D can be supplied by the diet and can also be synthesized by the skin exposed to sunlight. If a baby lacks calcium and vitamin D at the same time, he or she will develop osteomalacia and rickets, and will suffer from excessive sweating, frightening growth, and tetany. Over time, bone softening will occur, which will lead to ping-pong head, rib eversion, beads, bracelets, and X- or O-shaped legs.

3. How should calcium and vitamin D be added to infants and young children at each stage?

Generally speaking, babies aged 0-6 months who are exclusively breastfed need 300 mg of calcium per day. For formula-fed babies, the calcium requirement is fixed at 400 mg per day, taking into account the lower absorption rate of calcium from sources other than breast milk. The vitamin D content at this time is fixed at one pill per day, which is 400 IU, and it needs to be used for babies under one year old. It is generally sold in regular pharmacies, and mothers can buy it with confidence.

For babies between seven months and one year old, the calcium concentration decreases accordingly because the intake of breast milk decreases significantly. The amount of food increased during the weaning period. Considering the increased calcium needs and the low absorption rate of calcium in food, the daily calcium intake should be set at 400 mg. Vitamin D is an auxiliary function for better calcium absorption, so it needs to be added together. At this time, one pill per day is added, with a content of 400 IU, and it is also for babies under one year old.

Children between one and three years old need more calcium to meet the nutritional needs of the body, especially bone development and growth. At this time, they need to increase their calcium intake and need 600 mg of calcium. The vitamin D content is fixed at 400 IU. The insufficient part can be obtained through diet and outdoor sunlight. If the child's diet is unreasonable or the sunlight exposure time is insufficient, appropriate supplements and additions can be made.

Through the above simple introduction on how to add vitamin D to your baby, everyone now knows something. What we need to remind you here is: We must have a correct understanding of vitamin D, because we cannot do without vitamin D in our lives. We must regularly bask in the sun to promote better absorption of vitamin D.