Hagaon Hacham Mordechai Eliyahu z.s.l.

By: Dave Gordon

It’s important for a baby’s health, but medical experts warn that vitamin D in its liquid form should be dispensed carefully. Parents often overdose, giving harmful amounts to kids. The Food and Drugs Administration urges parents to carefully monitor the liquid from droppers used to dispense the vitamin. Only the dropper that comes with the package should be used. Vitamin D helps calcium absorption in the stomach and plays a key role in the development of a strong skeletal system. A lack of vitamin D in children can lead to thinning, soft and misshaped bones, causing a condition known as rickets. Pediatricians say it’s important that some infants, especially those who were nursed, get their recommended 400 international units  (10 mcg) of vitamin D a day. However, too much vitamin D can cause nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, excessive thirst, frequent urination, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, muscle and joint aches, confusion, fatigue, and more serious consequences like kidney damage. A physician should be consulted for help in determining proper dosage.