Vitamin D for Growth

Definition

Vitamin D is a nutrient that helps your body absorb calcium, which is essential for building strong bones and supporting growth, especially in children and adolescents.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a critical role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. It promotes the absorption of calcium in the gut and maintains adequate serum calcium and phosphate concentrations, enabling normal mineralization of bone and preventing hypocalcemic tetany. This function is crucial during the growth phases in children and adolescents to ensure proper skeletal development.

Benefits

• Supports healthy bone growth and development.
• Contributes to immune system function.
• Helps maintain proper muscle function.
• May reduce inflammation.

Examples

• Sunlight exposure triggering vitamin D production in the skin.
• Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel.
• Fortified foods such as milk, cereal, and orange juice.
• Egg yolks.

Additional Information

• Importance: Vitamin D is important for the growth and development of bones and teeth, particularly during childhood and adolescence when bones are rapidly developing and needing additional calcium.

Related Terms

• Calcium
• Bone Health
• Immune System
• Growth and Development

References

• Vitamin D and Health
• The Role of Vitamin D in Childhood and Adolescent Growth