Children discover the world and get more and more active. Vitamin D is especially important for healthy development in the growth phase. Together with calcium, vitamin D plays a central role in bone metabolism and supports the development of healthy bones.
However, recent studies1-3 from Germany indicate an insufficient vitamin D supply in children and youths.
Vitamin D is the only vitamin that our body can produce by itself in our skin. In order to produce vitamin D, thought, the skin must be exposed to sunlight. This is where the name “sun vitamin” comes from.
About 80 – 90% of the required vitamin D is normally produced by the skin. Only 10 – 20% is provided by food.
Children and youths need to build up a lot of bone mass whilst growing, as the body never again forms as much of this as in the first 20 years. Only those who build strong bones in childhood will be able to make full use of them as an adult.
Calcium and vitamin D are above all important for building up strong bones. Calcium is the building block for bones. Vitamin D plays an essential part in supporting a normal development of bones and teeth. Vitamin D also plays a part in other metabolic functions in the body and also has an influence on the immune system.
As milk is an important part of a child’s nutrition, HiPP JUNIOR Organic Growing-up Milk is available with all the important growth building blocks.
HiPP JUNIOR Organic Growing-up Milk contains everything that children of this age need: calcium and vitamin D for healthy bones and teeth.
We get vitamin D in two ways. Most of it is produced by the skin. The amount depends on the length and intensity of the sunlight. Sun protection, covering the skin with clothes or the limited amount of sunshine reduces vitamin D production.
In addition, food containing vitamin D can help in supplying vitamin D. There are, however, only a few foods that contain significant amounts of vitamin D, such as oily fish (e.g. herring, salmon). In liver, egg yolk and some edible mushrooms the content is already considerably lower. On average, only about 2 – 4 µg of vitamin D is gained from food.
This is why HiPP JUNIOR Organic Growing-up Milk is especially enriched with vitamin D, in order to counteract a sub-optimal supply. Just 3 portions of HiPP JUNIOR Organic Growing-up Milk contain 9.2 µg of vitamin D.
Strong bones need to be built up at a young age, as the body never forms as much bone mass again as in the first 20 years. Anyone who regularly ‘invest’ in their bones as a child will benefit for the rest of their life.
What helps make strong bones?
• Eating and drinking foods that contain vitamin D and calcium: milk and dairy products contribute to calcium supply as well as broccoli. Oily fish is an excellent source of vitamin D. HiPP JUNIOR Growing-up Milk contains calcium and Vitamin D to support strong bones growth for children in the first few years of life.
• Being active and building up muscles: a correct diet alone is not enough for strong bones. Lots of movement is a further important building block. This way, children can be introduced to exercise at an early age, e.g. with children’s gymnastics, and at the same time they are training their muscles in a fun way.
• Playing outside: fresh air and sun are good for all of us. Especially “outdoor games” such as catch, jumping or ball games are fun and encourage healthy bones. Take advantage of the opportunity and play together with your children outside –double fun guaranteed! But please always ensure sufficient sun protection!
Sources:
1. Thierfelder W et al. (2007) Biochemical measures in the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS). Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 50(5-6):757-770.
2. Hower J (2008) Winterlicher Vitamin D-Mangel bei Kindern und Jugendlichen. Eine Praxisstudie aus Mühlheim an der Ruhr (51°N). Kinder- und Jugendarzt 8:552-555.
3. Kersting M (2008) Die Zufuhr von Kalzium und Vitamin D – Ergebnisse der DONALD-Studie. Kinderärztliche Praxis 79:296-299.
4. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung; Österreichische Gesellschaft für Ernährung; Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Ernährungsforschung, Schweizerische Vereinigung für Ernährung (DACH): Hrsg. Referenzwerte für die Nährstoffzufuhr - Vitamin D. 1. Auflage, 4. korrigierter Nachdruck ed. Frankfurt/M.; 2012.
