

Vitamin D is called the “sunshine vitamin” because the body can produce it when the skin is exposed to sunlight.Instead, aim to get the recommended amount as an average over the course of a few days or a week.

Your child doesn’t have to get enough vitamin D every day.


Children older than 1 need 600 IU, or 15 mcg, a day. Infants up to 12 months old need 400 international units (IU), or 10 micrograms (mcg), a day. Vitamin D also functions as a hormone with many other jobs in the body, including regulation of the immune system, insulin production, and cell growth.Serious vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets, delayed motor development,it can also keep a child from achieving his/her genetically programmed height and peak bone mass, muscle weakness, aches and pains, and fractures.This is because vitamin D helps us absorb calcium and build strong teeth and bones. Children need vitamin D for bone growth and development.WHY ALL CHILDREN NEED VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTATION? Co-existing developmental disabilities can make treatment difficult.Some infections can damage the kidneys or liver. Bacteria or parasites from dirt or other objects can cause serious infections.Also, hard or sharp objects (such as paperclips or metal scraps) can cause tears in the lining of the esophagus or intestines. Eating objects that cannot be digested, such as stones, can cause constipation or blockages in the digestive tract, including the intestines and bowels.Eating non-food objects can interfere with eating healthy food, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies.This is the most concerning and potentially lethal side effect of pica Certain items, such as paint chips, may contain lead or other toxic substances and eating them can lead to poisoning, increasing the child’s risk of complications including learning disabilities and brain damage.There are many potential complications of pica, such as: What Complications Are Associated With Pica? General behavioral strategies as the most effective treatment approach for pica, with training in which foods are edible and which foods cannot be eaten through the use of positive reinforcement. Additionally, close collaboration with a mental health team skilled in treating pica is ideal for optimal treatment of these complex cases.Given the risk of medical complications (such as lead poisoning) associated with pica, close medical monitoring is necessary throughout treatment of the eating behavior.This pattern of behavior must last at least one month for a diagnosis of pica to be made. Before making a diagnosis of pica, the doctor will evaluate the presence of other disorders - such as mental retardation, developmental disabilities, or obsessive-compulsive disorder - as the cause of the odd eating behavior.A review of the person’s eating habits also may be conducted. The doctor also may test for possible infections caused by eating items contaminated with bacteria or other organisms. The doctor may use certain tests - such as X-rays and blood tests - to check for anemia and look for toxins and other substances in the blood, and to check for blockages in the intestinal tract.If symptoms are present, the doctor will begin an evaluation by performing a complete medical history and physical exam.If pica is suspected, a medical evaluation is important to assess for possible anemia, intestinal blockages, or potential toxicity from ingested substances.Children can have pica with almost anything, including dirt, hair,paper,paint, chalk and wood. It is common for children with mental difficulties to display pica behavior.It is characterized by the craving to eat or mouth non-nutritive substances for at least one month, beginning when children are around 18- 24 months. Pica is a disorder that goes beyond normal and healthy developmental behaviors.Babies will often find things to chew on when growing new teeth. It’s not uncommon for infants and toddlers to explore their world with their mouth.
