Sun, child growth and vitamin D

Abstract:

The sun is essential to human life, especially to a growing organism. Of numerous exogenous factors influencing growth, the effects of sun on the bone development in children are especially important, particularly those mediated through vitamin D. The most recent recommendations of the American Pediatric Academy from 2008 suggest daily intake of 400 IU, or 10 µg, of vitamin D. In addition to a classical paediatric view of vitamin D importance for bone development, the so-called noncalcemic actions of vitamin D are highlighted, including its immunoregulatory effects, which is the reason why it is called an immunosupressive hormone.

Key words:
child; growth and development; sun; vitamin D