Toddlers should be given foods that will increase their intake
Shorter winter days mean that our toddlers are at risk of not getting enough vitamin D, something that is essential for the growth and development of their bones.
The survey reveals that nearly eight out of 10 parents are not aware of toddlers' specific nutritional needs, and nine out of ten toddlers are failing to meet their recommended daily vitamin D nutritional intake.
As the clocks have gone back and sunlight hours fall by up to half it becomes harder to get 'The Sunshine Vitamin' from sunlight alone.
The research from growingupmilkinfo.com reveals that toddlers of African-Carribean and South Asian heritage are also at increased risk, as their skins' increased melanin level means they are less able to produce vitamin D through exposure to sunlight.
More than half of those questioned say that they never, rarely or occasionally consider a toddler's specific nutritional requirements.
The best source of vitamin D comes from UV light exposure. However, in countries like the UK, where sunlight is limited, it is essential that toddlers also eat vitamin D rich foods.
Simple steps parents can take to ensure toddlers are meeting their requirements include:
· Exposure to the summer sun (without sunscreen) for 10 minutes a few times a week is enough for most people to produce vitamin D and store it for winter. However, some groups may not be able to get enough vitamin D exposure in this way. These groups include young children, those living north of Birmingham in the UK (due to the angle of the sun) and those of African-Caribbean and South Asian origin
· Take a daily children’s supplement of vitamins A, C and D
· Giving 2 x 150ml beakers of Growing Up Milk daily as part of a healthy balanced diet provides more than half a toddler's daily recommended nutrient intake of vitamin D
· Include sources of vitamin D in the diet. Good sources include: fortified margarines and breakfast cereals, egg yolks, liver and oily fish