Ease Eczema Symptoms with Proper Amounts of Vitamin D
The link between vitamin D and eczema is powerful. Here are four ways to boost our kids’ vitamin D levels for better healing and thriving!
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The Role of Vitamin D in Overall Health
Unlike most other vitamins, vitamin D holds a unique place in our nutritional framework. Our body can synthesize its own vitamin D when our skin is exposed to sunlight, specifically UVB rays. This synthesis process results in the formation of a hormone called activated vitamin D, or calcitriol. This hormone is indispensable for various bodily functions, the most well-known being its role in promoting strong and healthy bones.
Vitamin D facilitates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, minerals essential for developing and maintaining bone structure. Without adequate vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen. This is particularly concerning for growing children, as their bones are in a critical stage of development. However, vitamin D’s role extends beyond bone health.
“Ensuring optimal vitamin D levels is crucial for children with eczema, as it supports healthy skin and overall well-being. Sunlight is the best source, but most of us won’t get enough. Pair your child’s vitamin D supplement with a fat-rich, early meal to enhance absorption.” -Andra McHugh
Beyond Bones: The Multifaceted Benefits of Vitamin D
Research has shown that vitamin D is involved in many other bodily functions, including modulation of cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and reduction of inflammation. These functions are particularly relevant for individuals with eczema, as eczema is often linked to immune system imbalances and inflammatory processes.
Vitamin D’s role in immune function is crucial for managing eczema. Adequate levels of vitamin D help regulate the immune system, potentially reducing the severity and frequency of eczema flare-ups. Moreover, vitamin D has been found to have antimicrobial properties, which can help protect against skin infections that individuals with eczema are more susceptible to due to their compromised skin barrier.
Natural Sources of Vitamin D
The body primarily makes vitamin D from sunlight exposure rather than extracting it from food, which is how most other vitamins are obtained. While some foods do contain vitamin D, they are not typically consumed in large enough quantities to meet the body’s needs. The best dietary sources of vitamin D include fatty fish such as cod, salmon, mackerel, and sardines. Small amounts of vitamin D can also be found in fortified foods like milk and butter. However, relying solely on food sources for vitamin D is challenging.
The Importance of Sunlight- Even If You Have Eczema
Sunlight is the most efficient and natural source of vitamin D. When UVB rays from the sun hit the skin, they trigger the production of vitamin D3, which is then converted into its active form. This process highlights the importance of spending time outdoors, especially for children with eczema. Regular, safe sun exposure can significantly boost vitamin D levels and support overall skin health.
However, the amount of sun exposure needed to produce sufficient vitamin D can vary based on several factors, including geographic location, skin type, age, and the use of sunscreen. For instance, individuals living in northern latitudes may not get enough UVB exposure, especially during the winter months, making it essential to consider supplementation.
Recommended Vitamin D Levels For Kids
According to the Vitamin D Council and numerous health experts, maintaining a vitamin D3 level of 50 to 80 nanograms per milliliter throughout the year is optimal for health. To achieve this, the average adult typically needs about 4,000 IUs of vitamin D daily in the winter and a varying amount in the summer, depending on sun exposure.
For babies under one year, a daily intake of at least 400 IUs of vitamin D is recommended. Children over one year need at least 600 IUs daily, though many may benefit from a higher intake to ensure optimal levels, particularly if they have limited sun exposure or higher needs due to health conditions like eczema.
Testing Vitamin D Levels
To ensure that children with eczema are getting the right amount of vitamin D, it’s important to test their blood levels. This can be done through a simple blood test that measures the concentration of vitamin D3. Services like Excessive Labs offer convenient testing options, similar to ordering from Amazon. However, these labs might struggle with very young children, making it necessary to consider alternatives.
If the test isn’t covered by insurance, it can often be done at a pediatrician’s office. Children’s hospitals also have phlebotomists skilled in working with small children. Although it may be more expensive, these professionals ensure that the test is done correctly and safely. Mobile phlebotomists are another option, especially in areas like Colorado or Wyoming, where specialized services like ABO Labs are available. It’s essential to call ahead to confirm that the chosen lab can accommodate young children.
The Risk of Vitamin D Toxicity
While maintaining adequate vitamin D levels is crucial, it’s equally important to avoid excessive intake, which can lead to vitamin D toxicity. This condition is characterized by hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood), which can cause nausea, vomiting, weakness, and serious complications like kidney damage.
To prevent toxicity, it’s crucial to determine the correct dosage of vitamin D for children with eczema through blood tests. Monitoring their levels helps ensure they receive the appropriate amount without exceeding safe limits. If supplementation is necessary, it’s best to administer it with the fattiest meal of the day. Fatty meals enhance the absorption of this fat-soluble vitamin, optimizing its effectiveness.
Supplementing Vitamin D
Research has shown that taking vitamin D with the main meal of the day, especially one high in fat, can increase blood levels by 50%. This means that the dosage could potentially be cut in half while still maintaining benefits. It’s advisable to take all fat-soluble vitamins, including A, E, D, and omega supplements, with the heaviest meal for the same reason.
For children with eczema, who often struggle with fat metabolism, topical application of vitamin D can be a highly effective alternative. Topical vitamin D absorbs well into the skin and supports its healthy appearance. This method is particularly beneficial during the winter and spring months when sun exposure is limited. However, even during these months, it’s important to get as much sunlight as possible on children’s faces to boost their vitamin D levels naturally.
Circadian Rhythms and Vitamin D
Taking vitamin D in the morning aligns with our natural circadian rhythms, which are influenced by sunlight. Nobel Prize-winning research on circadian medicine has highlighted the importance of timing when it comes to taking certain foods, medicines, and supplements. Just as melatonin is produced at night to help us sleep, vitamin D should be taken in the morning to sync with our body’s natural rhythms.
Practical Tips for Parents
- Sun Exposure: Encourage regular, safe outdoor play to ensure children get adequate sunlight exposure. Aim for at least 15-30 minutes of sun exposure on bare skin (arms and legs) everyday. Do this in the morning to help with bedtime!
- Diet: Incorporate foods rich in vitamin D, such as fatty fish into your child’s diet. While these foods alone will not meet all their needs, they can help supplement sun exposure and any additional supplementation.
- Testing: Regularly test your child’s vitamin D levels to avoid vitamin d toxicity.
- Supplementation: If needed, choose high-quality vitamin D supplements and administer them with the fattiest meal of the day. For children who have difficulty metabolizing fats, consider topical vitamin D applications.
- Monitor for Toxicity: Be cautious with vitamin D dosages to avoid toxicity.
Vitamin D and Eczema: The Connection
Emerging research has highlighted a possible link between vitamin D deficiency and the prevalence of eczema. Vitamin D’s role in immune regulation and anti-inflammatory effects makes it a critical nutrient for managing eczema symptoms. Several studies have shown that children with eczema often have lower levels of vitamin D, and supplementation can lead to significant improvements in their condition.
For instance, a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that vitamin D supplementation reduced the severity of eczema in children. Another study in the British Journal of Dermatology suggested that vitamin D might enhance the production of skin barrier proteins, improving the skin’s ability to retain moisture and protect against irritants.
Topical Vitamin D for Eczema
Topical application of vitamin D has shown promise in managing eczema symptoms. By applying vitamin D directly to the affected areas, it can be absorbed into the skin, providing localized benefits without the need for systemic absorption. This method is particularly useful for children with eczema, who may have difficulty absorbing or metabolizing oral vitamin D supplements.
Vitamin D and Eczema
Regular sun exposure, a balanced diet, topical application and appropriate supplementation can help maintain optimal vitamin D levels, supporting overall health and improving eczema symptoms.
If there are any questions or further clarifications needed, feel free to join the discussion in the Facebook group, Natural Eczema Solutions for Kids, send an email to support@eczemakids.com, or visit the website for more information on the holistic framework for managing eczema.
As we gear up for back-to-school season, with all the fun, friends, indoor time, and germs that come with it, ensuring adequate vitamin D levels is essential for mitigating these risks and supporting your child’s overall health.
You’re doing an incredible job, and your dedication to your child’s health is making a significant difference. Keep up the great work, and remember, you’re not alone in this journey. There is a community of parents and experts ready to support you every step of the way!
FAQ
How Does The Body Produce Vitamin D and How Much Does My Child Need?
Our body synthesizes Vitamin D when our skin is exposed to UVB rays from the sun. The vitamin is then converted into a hormone called activated Vitamin D, which supports various bodily functions.
Infants under 1 year: At least 400 IUs of Vitamin D per day.
Children over 1 year: At least 600 IUs per day, with potential for higher amounts based on individual needs and sunlight exposure.
If you’re looking for a full supplement plan for your child with eczema, check out https://eczemakids.com/natural-eczema-shop.
