Vitamin D Deficiency in Children – Causes, Signs, and Prevention

Creator: Mrunal
Published: 2018-05-04 05:32:09

By Mrunal | Updated: 09/10/2025

Medically Reviewed By

Megha Mukhija (Paediatric Nutritionist)

Vitamins and minerals are essential for a child’s healthy growth and development. But getting kids to eat a healthy diet, which comprises all the nutrients their growing bodies need, is easier said than done. If you’ve got a picky eater at hand who refuses to eat a nutritious diet, then they may suffer from vitamin and other nutrient deficiencies. Vitamin deficiency in kids is common, but it is a health concern that should be addressed as soon as possible. Vitamin D deficiency is common in children and can lead to rickets and other health problems. The condition is normally coupled with calcium deficiency in the blood and can lead to deformity, severe heart problems and other painful conditions.

Learning about this deficiency in children can help in preventing and treating it in time.

Why Is Vitamin D Important for Children?

Vitamin D is vital for a child’s development. It aids in bone growth and facilitates calcium absorption in the blood and bones. This vitamin may also protect us from high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, infections and immune system problems, multiple sclerosis (MS), and some types of cancer (colon, breast, and prostate). Vitamin D is available in nature in the form of early morning sunlight (1).

Vitamin D deficiency in a child means the child is lacking the necessary amounts of vitamin D in their body. Since it’s an important vitamin, the deficiency of Vitamin D can lead to:

Rickets, also known as soft bone disease, leads to fractures and skeletal deformities
Unhealthy immune system, infections
Juvenile arthritis

Causes of Low Vitamin D in a Child

Causes of Vitamin D deficiency in kids are explained below (2):

Vitamin D deficiency can be caused by a poor diet
Lack of sunlight, as the covered skin cannot synthesise Vitamin D
Wearing dark-coloured clothes

Signs and Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency in Kids

Common signs and symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency in kids are as follows (3):

Muscle cramps, seizures and breathing difficulties
Delayed teething
Irritable and fussy children
Being prone to various respiratory infections
Difficult breathing due to rib cage softening
Poor growth and low weight
A weakening of the heart muscles
Typical symptoms of rickets include a soft skull, bones of the legs looking curved, severe and repeated bouts of pain in the legs and muscles and general weakness

Effects of Vitamin D Deficiency in Kids

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health, enhancing immunity, and promoting overall growth. When children don’t get enough of it, the effects can appear quickly and may also have lasting consequences. Understanding both short-term and long-term effects is important for parents to ensure timely care.

Short-Term Effects (4)

Bone Pain and Muscle Weakness: Lack of vitamin D can cause aches in bones and reduced muscle strength.
Delayed Growth: Children may show slower height and weight gain compared to peers.
Frequent Infections: A weakened immune system makes children more prone to colds, flu, and respiratory infections.
Fatigue and Irritability: Low energy levels and mood changes can appear due to vitamin D deficiency in childhood.

Long-Term Effects (4)

Rickets: A condition where bones become soft and weak, leading to bowed legs or skeletal deformities.
Osteomalacia: Prolonged deficiency can cause fragile bones that fracture easily.
Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases: Studies have linked low vitamin D levels to a higher risk of diabetes and cardiovascular issues later in life.
Poor Dental Health: Deficiency may affect tooth development and increase cavities.

Vitamin D Rich Foods

Food is the primary source of minerals, vitamins, proteins, and other essential nutrients for a growing child. Hence, a balanced diet with proper vitamins and minerals is crucial to ward off any health risks. If you’re searching for some vitamin D-rich foods to include in your child’s diet, here are your options (1):

Fatty fish, such as mackerel, cod, salmon, tuna, and sardines.
Rainbow trout
Egg yolk
Mushroom
Fortified soya milk
Infant formula milk
Fortified cereals and millets
Dairy products like milk, butter, curd, yoghurt, etc.
Fruit juices, especially fortified orange juice
Cod liver oil

Vitamin D Dosage for Children

Vitamin D deficiency in children can either be mild or severe. Treatment and the dosage would depend on the condition. In either case, a paediatrician should be consulted. For children above 1 year of age, the recommended dosage of Vitamin D is 400 IU. Children aged 1-18 years old require 400 to 600 IU daily (5). However, before considering this for your child, consult with your child’s doctor.

Diagnosing Vitamin D Deficiency in Kids

Diagnosis typically begins with a thorough medical history and a comprehensive physical examination. Doctors may recommend blood tests to confirm low vitamin D levels and check bone health.

Blood Test (25-hydroxy vitamin D test): Also known as 25(OH)D, the test measures the level of vitamin D in the blood (1). Low levels indicate deficiency. It is commonly accepted in epidemiological research that a 25OHD level of 20 ng/ml represents the threshold for vitamin D sufficiency, as serum PTH levels tend to rise when the concentration of 25OHD falls below this level (6).
X-Rays or Bone Scans: Used in severe cases to detect rickets or weakened bones caused by chronic deficiency.

How Is Vitamin D Deficiency Treated in Kids?

Treatment for Vitamin D deficiency in kids should be administered according to the severity of the deficiency and under the guidance of a paediatrician. Here’s how you can get started to help your child address a Vitamin D deficiency.

Ensure your child gets enough sunlight every day.
Your child must eat a healthy and balanced diet.
Stoss therapy or high-dose Vitamin D therapy can help when the deficiency is severe. However, consulting a doctor is essential before attempting this therapy.
The deficiency can be treated with vitamin D supplements: ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol. The treatment can be administered orally or intramuscularly (7).
Injections of Vitamin D may be administered to fussy children who are unable to take oral medications. The effects generally last for about 6 months.
It may be recommended to take calcium and phosphorus supplements along with Vitamin D to help build stronger bones.

How Can You Prevent Vitamin D Deficiency in Children?

Prevention is always better than a cure. Learning how to prevent Vitamin D deficiency can help. Here’s how you can ensure that your child doesn’t suffer from Vitamin D deficiency and enjoys a healthy and happy childhood sans supplements and medicines.

Allow your child to play outdoors in sunlight daily (8).
Vitamin D deficiency, especially in breastfed infants, can be prevented by the mother having a balanced Vitamin D dosage during pregnancy and lactation.
If the deficiency is present, the paediatrician will advise Vitamin D supplements for kids from the first day of life itself.
Ensure you prepare food rich in multivitamins as the child grows.
You can provide Vitamin D supplements to growing children on a daily basis.
When in doubt, consult your paediatrician and have your child tested for any Vitamin D deficiency.

Common Myths About Vitamin D in Children

Many misconceptions surround vitamin D and its importance for kids. Addressing these myths helps parents make better health decisions.

Myth 1: “Children get enough vitamin D from diet alone.”

Reality: Most foods contain very little vitamin D naturally. Fortified milk or supplements are often needed.

Myth 2: “Sunlight exposure is always enough for kids.”

Reality: While sunlight helps produce vitamin D, factors such as sunscreen, clothing, pollution, and a darker skin tone can reduce absorption.

Myth 3: “Vitamin D deficiency is rare in children today.”

Reality: Deficiency remains a common issue worldwide, particularly among children who engage in limited outdoor activities or have poor nutrition.

When to Consult a Doctor?

Parents should consult a paediatrician if their child shows persistent bone pain, frequent fractures, delayed growth, or repeated infections. A doctor can order blood tests and recommend supplements or treatment if needed. Early intervention prevents complications like rickets and ensures healthy growth.

FAQs

1. Who is at more risk of vitamin D deficiency?

Vitamin D deficiency can be found in anyone from infants and children to adults. The prevalence of this deficiency is more common in people with darker skin (higher melanin content) and those who wear clothing with extensive skin coverage (1).

2. How much vitamin D does a child need daily?

According to the NIH, children need about 600 IU of vitamin D per day, starting from age one.

3. Can too much vitamin D be harmful?

Yes. Excessive supplementation can lead to vitamin D toxicity, causing nausea, weakness, or kidney problems. Always follow a doctor’s advice.

4. Are breastfed babies at risk of vitamin D deficiency?

Yes. Breast milk alone doesn’t provide enough vitamin D, so paediatricians often recommend supplements for infants.

Vitamin D is essential for bone health and the overall development of your child. It is important that you consult your doctor if you notice any signs of Vitamin D deficiency in your child and help treat it timely.

Infographic: Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency in Children

Also Read:

Calcium-Rich Foods for Kids
Malnutrition In Children
Importance of Nutrition for Kids
Healthy Food Pyramid for Children

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