Arctic Blue Blog

Vitamin D for children and adults - what was the deal?

Vitamin D is essential for our bodies. Not only is vitamin D necessary for children to develop strong bones and teeth, throughout our lives we need vitamin D to keep bones strong. Vitamin D allows us to absorb calcium and phosphorus from food. In addition, in both children and adults, vitamin D plays a role in proper muscle function and maintaining immunity.

How is vitamin D produced?

Much of our vitamin D is self-generated by our skin (under the influence of sunlight). About 1/3 part we get from food. What is vitamin D in? Few foods contain vitamin D. Fatty fish (herring, mackerel, salmon and sardines), organ meats (liver (pate)), some types of fish oil and egg yolks contain vitamin D.

So it depends on what you eat whether you get enough vitamin D, but especially on how much you are outside in the sun. In fact, sunlight is the most important way to build vitamin D. White Europeans all descended from hunter-gatherers in Africa. Africans ate differently and also spent much more time in the sun, also because it shines longer around the equator. As they migrated to the North, their skin lightened over time to still be able to make enough vitamin D.

It is becoming increasingly challenging to catch enough sunlight and make enough vitamin D with more kids playing indoors and office jobs. In addition, oily fish with their vitamin D are not immediately among children's favorites either, while fish sticks unfortunately contain hardly any vitamin D (and Omega-3).

Vitamin D in fish oil

A number of Arctic Blue products, in addition to the standard Omega-3 fatty acids, also contain added vitamin D. We believe this is important because many people have an increased need for vitamin D, namely children, adolescents, the elderly and adults who do not get outside much, or have tinted or dark skin.

The dosage of 10 mcg per dessert spoon is responsible and is made from the best absorbable form of vitamin D, namely D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D is optimally absorbed by the intestines when some fat or oil is also present. Because the vitamin D is in Arctic Blue products (omega-3 oil) and it is taken during or after a meal, the vitamin D is also optimally absorbed by the body.

Β Β Β Β 
GroupAge groupWho (*)Extra vit. D (mcg)
Β Β Β Β 
Children0-3 yearseveryone10
Β Β Β Β 
Girls andΒ If you don't get out much and/or have aΒ 
women4-49 yearsHave tinted or dark skin tone10
Β 50-69 yearseveryone10
Β 70 years and oldereveryone20
Β Β Β Β 
PregnantΒ everyone10
Β Β Β Β 
Β Β Β Β 
Boys andΒ If you don't get out much and/or have aΒ 
men4-69 yearsHave tinted or dark skin tone10
Β 70 years and oldereveryone20
* little getting outside: less than 1 quarter of an hour a dayΒ 

Check out fish oil specifically for children.