Vitamin D3 - Promising for the Prevention of Asthma in Children
Posted on Tue, Sep 15, 2009 @ 07:36 PM
Vitamin D deficiency has been rediscovered as public-health problem worldwide. Growing evidence links vitamin D deficiency not only to weak bones but also to impaired immunity, asthma, and diabetes, among other problems. It has been postulated that vitamin D deficiency may explain a portion of the asthma epidemic.
The term "vitamin D" refers to several different forms of this vitamin. Two forms are important in humans: ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). Vitamin D2 is synthesized by plants. Vitamin D3 is synthesized by humans in the skin when it is exposed to ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays from sunlight. Vitamin D2 is much less effective than Vitamin D3 in humans.
But how much is enough for my child? There are wide ranging opinions on how much vitamin D3 is necessary on an everyday basis. A recent study found that vitamin D3, at doses equivalent to 2,000 IU a day, is not only safe for adolescents, but it is actually necessary for achieving desirable vitamin D3 levels.
How do I get them to take it? One simple way to make sure your child is receiving the proper amount of daily vitamin D3 is to give them an oral supplement. This can sometimes be difficult, especially if your child has taste sensitivities, problems swallowing, or if they need a specific dose that is not commonly available. This is where a compounding pharmacy, like Bayview Pharmacy can help you.
Bayview Pharmacy's compounding pharmacists have the capabilities to customize pediatric preparations that are easy to take, improve therapeutic outcomes, reduce side effects, and save patients time and money. Bayview's compounding pharmacists use raw chemicals, powders, liquids and special equipment to make medications. This results in a customized medication made by a pharmacist, according to a doctor's directions, to meet an individual patient need.
So if you are child is suffering from hypovitaminosis D, and you have difficulty getting her to take the daily dose she needs, contact Bayview Pharmacy to see how we may be able to assist you.
*Update* Studies Show Taking Vitamin D Supplements May Cut Fall Risk After Age 65, if Dose Is High Enough.
*Update* Latest Analysis Confirms Suboptimal Vitamin D Levels in Millions of American Children.