Table of contents
- Master the challenge of autumn
- How does vitamin D affect the immune system?
- How the whole family benefits from vitamin D
- Practical tips for vitamin D supply in the family
As the days get shorter and the temperatures get colder, it's time to start thinking about your family's health. As nature prepares for hibernation, cold and pathogens are a constant threat, especially to our children and ourselves.
A targeted focus on your own health is now essential. The supply of vitamin D in particular plays a crucial role in keeping the immune system strong and preventing possible undersupply. And it's easier than almost anything else and can even taste good.
Here they comeDekristolvit® soft rubberscome into play, offering a practical and tasty solution to provide the whole family with the vital “sunshine vitamin”. You can read here how you can easily incorporate the soft rubbers into your routine and why vitamin D is so important for your children's health, as well as your own, especially now.
Master the challenge of autumn
Colds and flu-like infections are common among children. Up to 12 infections a year are normal, many of which occur in the cool autumn and winter months. During this time it is particularly important to take preventive measures.
This applies not only to the little ones, who increasingly come into contact with viruses and bacteria in schools and kindergartens, but also to us adults. Stress, less exercise and less sunlight in particular weaken our immune system in autumn and winter.
Data from the KiGGS study¹ (Child and Adolescent Health in Germany) show that a good supply of vitamin D can make a significant contribution to strengthening the immune system in children and adults.
For parents who are looking for an uncomplicated and child-friendly way to replenish the vitamin D stores of all family members, these are theDekristolvit® soft rubbersthe perfect choice. One gummy drop for children and 1 to 2 for adults cover the daily requirement of vitamin D. In addition, the soft gummy tastes good with an orange flavor and is even reminiscent of a candy in shape, color and consistency and is at the same timesugar freeand100% plant-based.
How does vitamin D affect the immune system?
Vitamin D plays a key role in regulating the immune system. It supports the activation of T cells, which are crucial for fighting infections. A sufficient vitamin D level can therefore help reduce the risk of e.g. B. to reduce respiratory diseases.
have studiesshownthat people with low vitamin D levels are more susceptible to colds and flu-like infections. This is particularly relevant for children staying in community settings, as they often come into contact with a variety of pathogens.
In addition to its immune-boosting effects, vitamin D is also crucial for bone health. It promotes the absorption of calcium in the intestines and is therefore essential for the development of strong bones and teeth. That's why, for example, babies are given a vitamin D supplement for at least 12 months from birth. Babies born in autumn and winter even receive it for up to 18 months. Vitamin D is a factor that is of great importance during the growth phase of children.
How the whole family benefits from vitamin D
Vitamin D is often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin” because the body produces it primarily through exposure to sunlight on the skin. However, in the dark months of the year, the sun's rays are rare, which means that many people do not get enough of this important nutrient.
Results of the KiGGS study¹ show that the vitamin D supply of children drops sharply from the age of three. On average, between 41 and 49% of boys and girls between the ages of 3 and 10 do not receive adequate care. In the 11 to 13 year old age group, more than half of the children do not get enough vitamin D.
An undersupply can lead to an increased susceptibility to disease in both children and adults.
Practical tips for vitamin D supply in the family
In order to prevent an undersupply of vitamin D in adults, but especially in children,recommendsThe German Society for Nutrition (DGE) recommends that you ensure a targeted vitamin D intake, especially in the months from October to March.
1. Vitamin D Supplements: A Simple Solution
For many families, taking vitamin D supplements can be a practical and effective way to meet nutrient needs. There are different forms, including drops, capsules or tablets, which can be chosen depending on preference and age.
Especially for children, there are tasty variants that make daily intake easier. TheDekristolvit® soft rubbersmeet exactly these special requirements. One gummy drop per day covers the vitamin D needs of children aged 3 and over. But mom and dad and older siblings also benefit from taking this sugar-free and purely plant-based, healthy sweet.
If young and old are sufficiently supplied with vitamin D through supplementation, this can not only help prevent a deficiency, but also increase general well-being.
2. Adjust diet
In addition to supplementation, diet can also make a significant contribution to vitamin D supply. Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel or herring are excellent sources. However, they are rarely or never on children's favorite foods list.
Eggs, (vegetable) milk, butter, avocados and certain types of mushrooms (chanterelles, mushrooms) also contain vitamin D.
In general, a balanced diet rich in these and other healthy and balanced foods can help replenish the body's vitamin D stores.
3. Stock up on daylight
Whenever possible, the family should spend time outdoors to take advantage of natural light. Even on cloudy days, UVB rays reach the earth and can stimulate the production of vitamin D. A walk outside can not only lift your mood, but also promote health.
While in summer you need to get around 30 minutes of sunlight to cover your vitamin D needs for one day, in spring and late summer or early autumn you need a whole hour of sunlight. Unfortunately, in winter the power of the sun is no longer sufficient for the skin to absorb enough sun to produce the daily amount of vitamin D required.
¹ Rabenberg M et al.: Implications of standardization of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D data for the evaluation of vitamin D status in Germany, including a temporal analysis. BMC Public Health 2018; 18: 8452
