Vitamins for bones and teeth of children

Vitamins for bones and teeth of children: a strong foundation of health from the first days of life

Healthy bones and teeth are not just aesthetics, it is the basis of good health and full development of the child. The formation of bone tissue and tooth enamel begins in the womb and continues throughout childhood and adolescence. Proper nutrition, rich in the necessary vitamins and minerals, plays a key role in this process. The lack of important nutrients can lead to serious problems, such as rickets, growth retardation, caries, increased fragility of bones and other disorders.

In this article, we will examine in detail the key vitamins and minerals necessary for the health of the bones and teeth of children, their role in the body, sources of obtaining, signs of deficiency and recommendations for use.

1. Vitamin D: The sun in every cage

Vitamin D, often called “solar vitamin”, plays a crucial role in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus – two main minerals necessary for building strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D promotes the absorption of these minerals in the intestines and their transportation into bone tissue.

• The role of vitamin D in the health of bones and teeth:

  • Regulates the level of calcium and phosphorus: It supports the necessary concentration of these minerals in the blood, ensuring their availability for bones and teeth.
  • Promotes bone mineralization: Participates in the process of deposition of calcium and phosphorus in the bone matrix, making it strong and resistant to loads.
  • Strengthens tooth enamel: It stimulates the formation of dentin – the main component of the tooth that protects the enamel from destruction.
  • Prevents rickets: Rachite – a disease that occurs in children with vitamin D deficiency, is characterized by bone deformation, growth and development delay.
  • Strengthens the immune system: Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining the immune system, which indirectly affects the health of the teeth, preventing inflammatory processes in the oral cavity.

• Sources of vitamin D:

  • Sunlight: The main source of vitamin D. Under the influence of ultraviolet rays B (UVB), the skin synthesizes vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). However, the effectiveness of the synthesis depends on many factors, such as the season, geographical position, time of day, skin color, use of sunscreens and environmental pollution.
  • Food products:
    • Fat fish: Salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring are rich sources of vitamin D3.
    • Egg yolk: Contains vitamin D, but in smaller quantities than oily fish.
    • Beef liver: Another source of vitamin D, but also contains a high level of cholesterol.
    • Enriched products: Some products, such as milk, yogurt, orange juice and cereal, are enriched with vitamin D.
  • Vitamin additives: In case of insufficient intake of vitamin D from food and sunlight, taking vitamin additives is recommended.

• Signs of vitamin D deficiency in children:

  • Rakhite: The most serious consequence of vitamin D deficiency is in children. It manifests itself in the deformation of the bones (crooked legs, a convex forehead, deformation of the chest), delay in teething, muscle weakness, irritability and anxiety.
  • Growth delay: The disadvantage of vitamin D can slow down the growth and development of the child.
  • Frequent fractures: The low bone density caused by vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of fractures.
  • Caries: Vitamin D plays a role in strengthening tooth enamel, so its deficiency can increase the risk of caries.
  • Muscle pain and weakness: Vitamin D is necessary for normal muscle functioning.
  • Fatigue and weakness: General symptoms of vitamin deficiency, including vitamin D.

• Recommendations for the use of vitamin D:

  • Preventive technique: All children, especially infants and children living in regions with insufficient sunlight, is recommended to prevent vitamin D in the form of additives. The dosage should be prescribed by the doctor, taking into account the age, weight and individual characteristics of the child.
  • Vitamin D level control in the blood: In case of suspicion of vitamin D deficiency, it is recommended to take a blood test to determine the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH) D).
  • Compliance with the doctor’s recommendations: It is important to comply with the doctor’s recommendations for the dosage and duration of vitamin D. Overdose of vitamin D can be toxic and lead to hypercalcemia (increased blood calcium).

2. Calcium: building material for bones and teeth

Calcium is the main mineral that is part of the bone tissue and tooth enamel. It provides the strength and hardness of bones and teeth, participates in the transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and blood coagulation.

• The role of calcium in the health of bones and teeth:

  • Formation and strengthening of bones: Calcium is the main component of the bone matrix, ensuring its strength and resistance to loads.
  • Formation of dental enamel: Calcium is part of tooth enamel, protecting the teeth from caries and destruction.
  • Maintaining tooth health: Calcium helps remineralize tooth enamel, restoring it after exposure to acids.
  • Prevention of osteoporosis: Sufficient calcium consumption in childhood and adolescence contributes to the formation of strong bones, which reduces the risk of osteoporosis in the future.

• Calcium sources:

  • Dairy products: Milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese – rich sources of calcium.
  • Leaf green vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, cabbage – contain calcium, but its digestibility from these products can be lower than from dairy products.
  • Enriched products: Some products, such as orange juice, tofu and vegetable milk, are enriched with calcium.
  • Fish with bones: Sardins and salmon with bones – contain calcium and vitamin D.
  • Legumes: Beans, peas, lentils – contain calcium, but also phitates that can reduce its digestibility.
  • Vitamin additives: In case of insufficient intake of calcium from food, it is recommended to take vitamin additives.

• Signs of calcium deficiency in children:

  • Muscle cramps: Calcium plays a role in muscle contraction, so its deficiency can cause convulsions.
  • Slow down growth: Calcium is necessary for the formation of bones, so its deficiency can slow down growth.
  • Osteopenia: A decrease in bone density preceding osteoporosis.
  • Caries: Calcium strengthens tooth enamel, so its deficiency can increase the risk of caries.
  • Fitty nails and hair: Calcium is part of the nails and hair, so its deficit can make them brittle.
  • Irritability and anxiety: Calcium is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses, so its deficit can affect mood and behavior.

• Recommendations for the use of calcium:

  • Providing sufficient calcium consumption with food: It is important to include products rich in calcium in the child’s diet.
  • Accounting for individual needs: The need for calcium depends on the age, gender and physiological state of the child.
  • A combination with vitamin D: Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium, so it is important to ensure a sufficient intake of both nutrients.
  • Reception of vitamin additives: In case of insufficient intake of calcium from food, it is recommended to take vitamin additives. The dosage must be prescribed by a doctor.
  • Avoiding excess calcium consumption: Excessive calcium consumption can lead to hypercalcemia and other health problems.

3. Phosphorus: Calcium partner in bone construction

Phosphorus is another important mineral necessary for the health of bones and teeth. It is involved in the formation of bone tissue, energy metabolism and maintenance of acid-base balance in the body.

• The role of phosphorus in the health of bones and teeth:

  • Formation of bones and teeth: Phosphorus is part of the bone matrix and tooth enamel, providing their strength and hardness.
  • Participation in energy exchange: Phosphorus is part of ATP – the main source of energy in the cells of the body.
  • Maintaining acid-base balance: Phosphorus helps to regulate the acidity of the blood and other body fluids.

• Sources of phosphorus:

  • Dairy products: Milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese are rich sources of phosphorus.
  • Meat, poultry, fish: Contain phosphorus, as well as other important nutrients.
  • Eggs: Another source of phosphorus.
  • Legumes: Beans, peas, lentils – contain phosphorus, but also phitates that can reduce its digestibility.
  • Nuts and seeds: They contain phosphorus, but also a lot of calories.
  • Whole grain products: Bread, pasta, rice – contain phosphorus, but in smaller quantities than other products.

• Signs of phosphorus deficiency in children:

  • Muscle weakness: Phosphorus is necessary for the normal functioning of muscles, so its deficiency can cause weakness.
  • Fatigue: Phosphorus is involved in energy exchange, so its deficiency can cause fatigue.
  • Bone pain: Phosphorus is part of bone tissue, so its deficiency can cause bone pain.
  • Rakhite: Phosphorus deficiency can contribute to the development of rickets, especially in combination with vitamin D.
  • Slow down growth: Phosphorus is necessary for the formation of bones, so its deficiency can slow down growth.

• Recommendations for the use of phosphorus:

  • Providing sufficient consumption of phosphorus with food: It is important to include products rich in phosphorus in the child’s diet.
  • Compliance with the balance between calcium and phosphorus: It is important to maintain the correct ratio of calcium and phosphorus in the diet (approximately 1: 1).
  • Avoiding excessive phosphorus consumption: Excessive consumption of phosphorus can disrupt calcium absorption and lead to other health problems.

4. Vitamin K: Kostya Mineralization Conductor

Vitamin K plays an important role in coagulation of blood and bone mineralization. It activates proteins necessary for calcium deposit in bone tissue and preventing its deposition in soft tissues.

• The role of vitamin K in the health of bones and teeth:

  • Activation of osteocalcin: Vitamin K activates osteocalcin – protein, which binds calcium and contributes to its deposition in bone tissue.
  • Prevention of calcium deposit in soft tissues: Vitamin K helps prevent calcium deposition in arteries and other soft tissues, which can lead to their calcification.
  • Strengthening bones: Vitamin K helps to increase the density of bone tissue and reduce the risk of fractures.

• Sources of vitamin K:

  • Leaf green vegetables: Spinach, cabbage, broccoli – rich sources of vitamin K1 (phyllokhinon).
  • Intestinal microflora: Vitamin K2 (menachinon) is synthesized by bacteria in the intestine.
  • Enzymed products: NATTO (fermented soybeans) is a rich source of vitamin K2.
  • Meat, poultry, eggs: They contain vitamin K2, but in smaller quantities than green vegetables and Nato.
  • Vitamin additives: In case of insufficient receipt of vitamin K from food, it is recommended to take vitamin additives.

• Signs of vitamin K deficiency in children:

  • Increased bleeding: Vitamin K is necessary for blood coagulation, so its deficiency can lead to increased bleeding.
  • Osteopenia: Vitamin K deficiency can help reduce bone density.
  • Fractures: The low bone density caused by vitamin K deficiency increases the risk of fractures.

• Recommendations for the use of vitamin K:

  • Providing sufficient consumption of vitamin K with food: It is important to include in the child’s diet products rich in vitamin K.
  • Maintaining healthy intestinal microflora: Healthy intestinal microflora contributes to the synthesis of vitamin K2.
  • Reception of vitamin additives: In some cases, for example, in newborns, vitamin additives with vitamin K. may be required.

5. Vitamin C: defender and assistant in the synthesis of collagen

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, plays an important role in the synthesis of collagen – protein, which is the main component of the bone matrix and dentin. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that protects the cells from damage to free radicals.

• The role of vitamin C in the health of bones and teeth:

  • Collagen synthesis: Vitamin C is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, which ensures the strength and elasticity of bones and teeth.
  • Free radical protection: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects bones and teeth cells from damage by free radicals.
  • Strengthening the gums: Vitamin C strengthens the gums and prevents their bleeding.
  • Improving the assimilation of iron: Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron, which is also necessary for the health of bones.

• Sources of vitamin C:

  • Citrus fruit: Oranges, lemons, grapefruits – rich sources of vitamin C.
  • Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries – also contain vitamin C.
  • Vegetables: Bulgarian pepper, broccoli, Brussels cabbage – good sources of vitamin C.
  • Green: Parsley, dill – contain vitamin C.
  • Vitamin additives: In case of insufficient intake of vitamin C from food, it is recommended to take vitamin additives.

• Signs of vitamin C deficiency in children:

  • Bleeding gums: Vitamin C strengthens the gums, so its deficiency can lead to bleeding gums.
  • Slow wound healing: Vitamin C is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, which is involved in the healing of the wounds.
  • Weakness and fatigue: Vitamin C is involved in energy exchange, so its deficiency can cause weakness and fatigue.
  • Anemia: Vitamin C improves iron absorption, so its deficiency can lead to anemia.
  • Joint pain: Vitamin C is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, which provides joint health.

• Recommendations for the use of vitamin C:

  • Providing sufficient consumption of vitamin C with food: It is important to include in the child’s diet products rich in vitamin C.
  • Accounting for individual needs: The need for vitamin C depends on the age, gender and physiological state of the child.
  • Reception of vitamin additives: In case of insufficient intake of vitamin C from food, it is recommended to take vitamin additives.
  • Avoiding excessive consumption of vitamin C: Excessive consumption of vitamin C can lead to stomach disorder and other health problems.

6. Magnesium: a participant in many processes, including bone metabolism

Magnesium is involved in more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including bone metabolism. It helps regulate the level of calcium in the bones and helps to strengthen them.

• The role of magnesium in the health of bones and teeth:

  • Calcium regulation: Magnesium helps regulate the level of calcium in the bones and prevents its excessive deposition in soft tissues.
  • Strengthening bones: Magnesium helps to increase the density of bone tissue and reduce the risk of fractures.
  • Participation in the synthesis of vitamin D: Magnesium is necessary for activating vitamin D, which plays an important role in the assimilation of calcium.

• Sources of magnesium:

  • Leaf green vegetables: Spinach, cabbage, broccoli – rich sources of magnesium.
  • Nuts and seeds: Pumpkin seeds, almonds, cashew – also contain magnesium.
  • Legumes: Beans, peas, lentils are good sources of magnesium.
  • Whole grain products: Bread, pasta, rice – contain magnesium.
  • Dark chocolate: Contains magnesium and antioxidants.
  • Vitamin additives: In case of insufficient flow of magnesium from food, it is recommended to take vitamin additives.

• Signs of magnesium deficiency in children:

  • Muscle cramps: Magnesium plays a role in muscle contraction, so its deficiency can cause convulsions.
  • Fatigue: Magnesium is involved in energy exchange, so its deficiency can cause fatigue.
  • Irritability and anxiety: Magnesium is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses, so its deficit can affect mood and behavior.
  • Sleep violation: Magnesium helps to relax the muscles and the nervous system, so its deficiency can lead to sleep disturbance.
  • Constipation: Magnesium helps regulate the intestines, so its deficiency can lead to constipation.

• Recommendations for the use of magnesium:

  • Providing sufficient magnesium consumption with food: It is important to include products rich in magnesium in the child’s diet.
  • Accounting for individual needs: The need for magnesium depends on the age, gender and physiological state of the child.
  • Reception of vitamin additives: In case of insufficient flow of magnesium from food, it is recommended to take vitamin additives.
  • Avoiding excessive magnesium consumption: Excessive consumption of magnesium can lead to stomach disorder and other health problems.

7. Ftor: Dental enamel protector from caries

Phthor is a trace element that strengthens tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to acids formed during sugar breakdown. Phthor is an effective means of caries prevention.

• The role of fluorine in the health of the teeth:

  • Strengthening tooth enamel: The fluorine is integrated into the structure of tooth enamel, making it more durable and resistant to acids.
  • Remineralization of tooth enamel: Puff helps remineralize tooth enamel, restoring it after exposure to acids.
  • Suppression of bacteria growth: Phthor suppresses the growth of bacteria causing caries.

• Fluorine sources:

  • Flectoral water: In many countries, water is fluid to prevent caries.
  • Toothpaste with fluorine: Toothpaste with fluorine is the main source of fluorine for most people.
  • Rinsers for the oral cavity with fluorine: Rinsers for the oral cavity with fluorine can be used for additional protection against caries.
  • Professional teeth fluoride: The dentist can conduct professional fluoridation of teeth to strengthen dental enamel.

• Signs of fluoride deficiency in children:

  • Increased risk of caries development: The fluorine deficiency makes tooth enamel more vulnerable to acids, which increases the risk of caries.

• Recommendations for the use of fluorine:

  • Using a toothpaste with fluorine: Brush your teeth with a fluoride twice a day.
  • Flectoral water: Drink fluorine water if it is available in your region.
  • Professional teeth fluoride: Regularly visit a dentist for professional teeth fluoride.
  • Dosage compliance: It is important to observe the recommended dosage of fluorine, since excessive intake of fluorine can lead to fluorosis (stains on the teeth).

It is important to remember:

• Before giving a child any vitamin additives, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
• Self -medication can be dangerous to the health of the child.
• Proper nutrition, rich in the necessary vitamins and minerals, is the basis of the health of the bones and teeth of the child.
• Regular visits to the dentist are also important for the prevention of teeth and gum diseases.

The health of bones and teeth is an investment in the future of your child. Provide him a strong foundation for health from the first days of life!