EP 35: The Vitamin 75% Of Kids Aren't Getting Enough Of

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Could vitamin D be one of the few supplements your child actually needs? In this episode of Nutrition for the Early Years, Dr. Liz Daniels explains why vitamin D matters for growing bones, immune health, and long-term bone strength. She breaks down how much babies, toddlers, older kids, and adults typically need, why breastfed babies often require supplementation, and how fortified milk, fatty fish, and sunlight contribute. You’ll also learn why cheese and yogurt may not provide the vitamin D you expect, how D3 compares with D2, and why sunlight alone may not be enough depending on where you live. Dr. Liz also shares when testing may be useful, when it may not be necessary, and why your child’s diet, location, and health history should guide the conversation with your healthcare team.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why vitamin D is so important for your child’s bones, growth, and immune system
• How much vitamin D babies, toddlers, and older kids need each day
• Why breastfed babies may need supplementation and what options parents have
• Which foods actually provide vitamin D, and why milk, cheese, and yogurt aren’t all equal
• How sunlight, location, diet, and health history can affect whether your child is getting enough

Episode highlights:
(1:32) What vitamin D does in the body
(6:19) Vitamin D and immune system development
(8:21) Peak bone mass and long-term bone health
(13:13) When babies need vitamin D supplementation
(17:23) Maternal supplementation vs. infant vitamin D drops
(21:03) Vitamin D needs for toddlers and older kids
(24:19) Food sources of vitamin D and common misconceptions
(26:31) Vitamin D3 vs. vitamin D2
(28:03) Can kids get enough vitamin D from sunlight?
(32:26) Daily vitamin D recommendations and when to test

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only, not medical advice.