TERRIBLE FISH OIL, OR A LITTLE HISTORY
You yourself will definitely remember several book scenes or even the stories of your parents and grandmothers about this terrible fish oil! Once upon a time, the need to take this disadvantageous substance was due to the content of an antirachitic vitamin. It was known as vitamin D.
It's so great that nowadays you can choose the most convenient and attractive form of vitamin D with its accurate content for yourselves or your child! However, we will focus on the various forms of this preparation later. Instead, let's figure out why additional vitamin D intake is one of the first pediatrician’s recommendations to parents of a newborn through the lens of modern science.
THIS NEW OLD VITAMIN D
On the first hand, we are sorely lacking in vitamin D. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is estimated to be 70-90% among the population in different countries. Moreover, its deficiency is more common in the child population. Apart from the content of vitamin D, the mother's milk is the best child food in all its bearings. The mother’s milk contains only 4-20 IU (international units) per liter, and the child's need is literally a hundred times higher!
On the second hand, the action of vitamin D is not limited to its impact on the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorus! Currently, its name "antirachitic" has only historical significance as studies prove its connection or influence on immunity, allergy, a reduction in the risk of oncological, cardiovascular, neurological diseases. This is not a complete list yet. The scope of information on the role of vitamin D is enormous! We recommend you to follow news updates on our website www.lamyra.org as a trusted source. Let's focus on the most relevant topics for children and their parents.
In this article, we will not discuss the well-known classical effects of vitamin D, thus mentioning calcium, explaining the mechanism of the development of bent limbs, compliance of the bones of the child's skull, platypelloid pelvis, weakened muscle tone, delayed tooth eruption, insufficient development of their enamel, and others manifestations of rickets.
VITAMIN D IS PROTECTION FROM ARVI AND COVID
It is better to talk more about congenital and acquired immunity. It sounds sufficiently vague, so let's add some details ― the development and more severe course of autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, are more common in people with vitamin D deficiency.
The incidence of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) is 2 times lower among people with sufficient vitamin D levels (above 38 ng/ml) (Sabetta, 2010). People with vitamin D deficiency are more likely to have respiratory infections (including influenza), acute otitis media, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and are more prone to sexually-transmitted infections and skin infections.
It is impossible to bypass the staggering data obtained in recent studies on COVID-19. Observational data capture lower morbidity, a milder course, and lower mortality among individuals, depending on how much a person is «further» from the threshold for vitamin D deficiency.
Such a pronounced impact on the incidence and course of infections is associated both with the synthesis of specific antimicrobial and antiviral substances (cathelicidins and defensins) under the action of vitamin D, and the effect on immune cells, some mechanisms of disease development (for example, the normalization of the renin-angiotensin link in case of coronavirus infection).
HELP FOR ALLERGY PATIENTS
A tendency for manifestations of atopic dermatitis and their degree decreases if a child has a sufficient level of vitamin D. An improvement in the skin’s barrier and protective functions, inhibition of a cascade of skin inflammatory reactions are shown. It is very important as the skin is prone to the development of staphylococcal and herpetic lesions in atopic dermatitis. Moreover, atopic dermatitis itself can become a prelude to the development of wheezing, bronchial asthma, and other allergic diseases in children.
THE HEAD IS THE HEAD OF EVERYTHING
Vitamin D has a huge number of effects, so we will talk more about its effect on the activity and brain functions. Vitamin D contributes to conducting nerve impulses, forming new cells and contacts between them (synapses), excreting amyloid proteins (the cause of Alzheimer's disease), and prevents the death of neuronal cells in the brain.
The active form of vitamin D is associated with the synthesis of serotonin (a so-called “hormone of happiness”). Insufficient vitamin D levels are associated with the development of anxiety, sleep disorders, restless legs syndrome, and depression.
Vitamin D levels in the blood serum of a pregnant woman determine the child’s neurocognitive (mental) development. Moreover, children are more likely to have a whole range of neurological changes (headache, arterial hypertension, syncopal states, difficulties in the formation of speech and memory, epilepsy and demyelinating diseases) and emotional states (attention deficit disorder) in case of vitamin D deficiency.
WHY IS WALKING OUTSIDE NOT SUFFICIENT?
What should we do, dear moms and dads? How to improve your and your child’s health?
Normally, cholecalciferol (vitamin D) should be produced in our skin under the action of sunlight. However, we, residents of modern cities, are deprived of this opportunity. We often remain inaccessible to the vivifying Sun! The factors, such as staying in shadow or under glass structures (windows), using creams with an ultraviolet filter, wearing too closed clothes, air pollution, do not afford a chance for the realization of a natural synthesis mechanism.
The sun rays’ angle of inclination is also of significance, therefore, the year-round synthesis of vitamin D in the skin is not possible in countries above the 35th parallel. For example, the slope of the incident rays is sufficient for the formation of cholecalciferol only from May to October at the latitude of Belarus. Unfortunately, even prolonged exposure in case of open skin will not bring results during the rest of the year.
When it comes to dietary intake, food products do not contain a sufficient amount of vitamin D to cover its need. Judge for yourself: an adult person needs to drink about 3 liters of milk, or eat about 5 kg of cheese or 4 kg of beef liver to get 2000 IU... Eating 0,5 kg of salmon is surely more realistic, but after all, the need for vitamin D is daily. Not everyone can buy and eat 15 kg of red fish over the course of a month, especially if there is more than one adult in a family ...
THERE IS A SOLUTION
Dietary supplements and preparations with cholecalciferol are recommended and used all over the world. Before forming an active form, cholecalciferol undergoes additional changes in the body, therefore, you can take vitamin D not only every day, but also once a week or even once a month. The body itself will take it from the depot (fatty and muscle tissue) and synthesize accurately as the need arises. High-dosage forms of cholecalciferol, such as Multizan D3 50 000, will offer a way out for many adults. The administration of only one tablet once every 10-14 days may quickly eliminate vitamin D deficiency and maintain its sufficient level to realize the additional above-mentioned effects.
A liquid dietary supplement, Multizan D3 400, is released for children. This product was created taking into consideration the child and mother’s needs:
1. An accurate preventive dose of 400 IU per drop;
2. Specially selected MCT oil to ensure an incomparable absorption of vitamin in the intestine;
3. Additional positive effects of MCT;
4. Absence of flavoring agents, benzyl alcohol, propylene glycol and other additives. Only vitamin D dissolved in suitable MCT oil;
5. A German stactometer that saves time and nerves of parents. An exact drop appears immediately. No need to shake the bottle or wait a long time. Strict dose accuracy is ensured;
6. Suitable for pregnant women.
Despite the difficulties associated with the natural synthesis and intake of vitamin D that comes from food, everyone can choose an appropriate preparation, Multizan D3, in the Lamyra’s product assortment to restore and maintain normal vitamin D levels, thus ensuring the realization of all its natural properties.
Health to you and your children!