Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
173939 tn?1333217850

Vitamin D Malabsorption

I am so glad this forum has been born. Right away I have a tricky question that may not be easy to answer. Maybe you can help.
In my family, throughout three generations on my father`s side, there have been six cases of rickets, a general tendency for soft tooth enamel and brittle bones in childhood and some heart attacks despite very healthy lifestyles. I too had rickets in childhood and all symptoms except the heart attack.
I have a five-year-old son who seems to have some weakness in bones and teeth as well with one "green-stick-fracture" at age 2 and a sudden bout of cavities at age 3.5 despite average efforts to avoid these. Very unfortunately I had not known that I should have given him vitamin D supplements during infancy. Only after the damage was done, I did some family research and found out about our genetic history. Even though not medically confirmed, we believe there is heredetary vitamin D and calcium malabsorption in play. My ancestors are Czech and Norwegian where some of those heredetary problems seem to occur more often.
Sorry this is so long. My question is how can I further improve my son`s chances to get strong bones and teeth? I have started giving him the vitamin D drops that infants are supposed to take about a year and a half ago and have him eat dairy products whenever possible. Also, he is definetly getting enough sun exposure since infancy. Should he get higher than infant doses of vitamin D? We do not have a pediatrician to answer all these questions so I wonder if you would have any advice. Thank you so much in advance.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
173939 tn?1333217850
Thank you for the speedy reply. A blood test seems simple enough to get some clarity. Thanks again!
Helpful - 0
267079 tn?1195142970
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Vitamin D promotes the absorption of Calcium and Phosphorus into our bones and teeth. All three are very much interrelated in our body. Research has indicated harmful and, possible toxic, effects from excess amounts of Vitamin D (usually from supplements). The harmful effects can be very similar to deficiencies of the Vitamin: weak muscles, weak bones, excessive bleeding, and kidney stones. It is recommended not to exceed 400 IU per day of Vitamin D for young children (due to growing bones) and 200 IU per day for over 25 years old.
I suggest you get blood levels on Vitamin D, Calcium, and Phosphorus so your MD can properly treat your son’s condition.
Thank you for visiting the forum and asking your question.
Helpful - 0
Popular Resources
Fearing autism, many parents aren't vaccinating their kids. Can doctors reverse this dangerous trend?
Is a gluten-free diet right for you?
We answer your top questions about the flu vaccine.
Learn which over-the-counter medicines are safe for you and your baby
Yummy eats that will keep your child healthy and happy
Healing home remedies for common ailments