Why children may lack vitamin D once the school year begins in autumn
Even after a sunny summer, children's vitamin D levels can drop sharply in autumn, especially once school starts. Doctors recommend testing blood vitamin D levels and deciding on supplementation individually.
When autumn arrives and children start or return to school, their daily routine changes significantly — earlier mornings, longer school days, and less time spent outdoors. At the same time, sunlight exposure decreases, reducing the skin's natural production of vitamin D. According to one Latvian family's experience, even after an active, sunny summer, a child's blood test can still reveal low vitamin D levels.
Family doctors note that in Latvia, by the end of summer — and especially during the darker months — sunlight is no longer sufficient to produce adequate vitamin D in the skin. The start of the school year adds further changes to a child's routine: new social contacts, more time indoors, and reduced outdoor physical activity, all of which can affect the body's vitamin D reserves.
Why vitamin D matters for children
Vitamin D is essential for infants and children for normal bone growth and development, as well as for healthy teeth and muscles. It helps maintain calcium levels in the blood, supports normal immune system function, and plays a role in cell division.
Doctors emphasize that decisions about vitamin D supplementation and dosage should not be made independently — they must be assessed individually based on blood test results, together with a family doctor or pediatrician. If tests show a low vitamin D level, a doctor can recommend a suitable product and dosage tailored to the child's age and needs.
Specialists recommend thinking about a child's vitamin D levels as early as the start of autumn, rather than waiting until winter, when days grow shorter and darkness sets in by early afternoon. Regular blood testing allows deficiencies to be identified early, with an appropriate solution chosen in consultation with a doctor.
