---
title: "Vitamin D and Kids’ Health: Supporting Bone Health and Beyond"
description: Vitamin D supports bone growth and immune health in children, and a trial found 1,200 IU cut influenza A risk by 58% compared to placebo.
image: https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casi/archive/tues_2.jpg
---

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# Vitamin D and Kids’ Health: Supporting Bone Health and Beyond

CA Cory Ambrose, ND, MAT Oct 04, 2022

![Vitamin D and Kids’ Health: Supporting Bone Health and Beyond](https://www.casi.org/hs-fs/hubfs/casi/archive/tues_2.jpg?width=960)

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for both adults and children. In kids, vitamin D is critical for healthy bone growth and the development of a healthy immune system. Recent research suggests that it may also support other aspects of health in the growing child.  

Vitamin D helps support healthy bone mineralization and calcium homeostasis regulation, and it is essential for the formation of bone during [childhood development](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35458099/). Vitamin D also helps support both [innate and adaptive immune health](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35458099/). Vitamin D receptors (VDRs) are present on some [immune cells](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4928729/) including lymphocytes and monocytes. Calcitriol, or 1,25\[OH\]2D, is a form of vitamin D that has been shown to modulate antimicrobial peptide transcription, the secretion of interleukin (IL)-10, and the production of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines in monocytes and macrophages through [VDR signaling](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35458099/). VDR signaling in dendritic cells has also been associated with certain aspects of [T-cell differentiation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35458099/). 

Vitamin D status has been associated with the incidence of microbial illness in the pediatric population. A population study reported that newborns with lower levels of serum calcidiol, or 25\[OH\]D, had a greater prevalence of [otitis media](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4928729/) and upper respiratory infections at 3 months of age and wheezing at 15 months. A [randomized control trial](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4928729/) explored the potential role of supplementation with 1,200 IU of vitamin D during the winter months in the prevention of influenza A. More than 300 children participated. The treatment arm was shown to have a 58% lower likelihood of contracting [influenza A](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4928729/) as compared to a placebo. 

The incidence of certain [autoimmune disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17314699/) associated with juvenile onset such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) has been associated with serum 25\[OH\]D deficiencies or insufficiencies. JIA and other autoimmune disorders are associated with an atypical involvement of the immune system and [inflammatory mediators](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35458099/). A meta-analysis found [vitamin D insufficiencies](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35458099/) in 82% of participants with JIA. Vitamin D deficiency has also been associated with a greater incidence of atopic pathologies and [certain allergies](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35565735/), including food allergies. 

[Deficiencies](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35565821/) in vitamin D are common in both pediatric and adult populations. In the pediatric population, they may be a result of [inadequate nutritional intake](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35458099/), decreased absorption, darker skin pigmentation, certain pathologies, lifestyle changes, and genetic conditions. Other factors related to vitamin D deficiency include living in [higher latitudes](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34199067/) and having restricted sun exposure. 

[Evidence suggests](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/#h4) that supplementation with vitamin D3 can be more effective at raising and maintaining vitamin D levels in the body when compared with vitamin D2 supplementation. Research indicates that supplementation with vitamin D may help promote bone development and a normal immune system in [pediatric populations](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/#h4). 

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### Cory Ambrose, ND, MAT

Clinical Application

## Clinical Considerations in Practice

 In clinical practice, practitioners considering the topics discussed above may also weigh nutrient form, delivery and formulation, alongside individual patient variability.

### Practitioner Formulation Example

![Emulsi-D3 Synergy™](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/lemtscrs/production-www/c804b0af0ecef0e305c14c5b22a14356a8e079b8-2000x2000.png?w=128&h=128&fit=max&auto=format)

Emulsi-D3 Synergy™

Vitamin D3 and vitamin K1/K2 · Liquid

[Explore Formulations →](https://www.designsforhealth.com/products/emulsi-d3-synergy)

## Continue your research

#### [Science Update A Case Report on Vitamin C Supplementation in a 67-Year-Old Male with Leukopenia Jul 21, 2026](https://www.casi.org/articles/a-case-report-on-vitamin-c-supplementation-in-a-67-year-old-male-with-leukopenia)

#### [Science Update A Case Report on a Functional GI Testing Protocol in a 35-Year-Old Female with Gastrointestinal and Joint Discomfort May 07, 2026](https://www.casi.org/articles/a-case-report-on-a-functional-gi-testing-protocol-in-a-35-year-old-female-with-gastrointestinal-and-joint-discomfort)

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