Kids Ddrops® is a new and innovative liquid vitamin D that is specifically designed for healthy growing children. Parents may find this list of frequently asked questions helpful to better understand the product and how to use it properly.
Kids Ddrops® FAQ
» Why do I need to give vitamin D to my child?
- Vitamin D deficiency can result in Rickets (a painful disease associated with a softening of the bones and growth plates. Cases of vitamin D deficiency rickets have been confirmed in infants, toddlers and children in Canada.
- Vitamin D is a building block involved in repair and maintenance of the body. In a recent publication that reviewed controlled trials, vitamin D reduces total mortality.1 Many believe that the greatest role vitamin D can play is to decrease the risk of chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, common cancers, infectious diseases, and autoimmune diseases.
- Vitamin D3 increases calcium absorption by as much as 30 to 80 percent.2
- It is estimated that most Canadians are vitamin D deficient.3 Studies of urban toddlers found that 1/3 of children had vitamin D deficiency4
- There are few sources of vitamin D. The need for a supplement like Kids Ddrops®, will depend on your individual child. The best advice comes from your physician.
» Why shouldn't I just expose my children to sunlight to ensure adequate absorption of vitamin D?
- While UVB rays from sunlight are a main source of vitamin D for humans, the Canadian Dermatology Association, Health Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society impress upon us the importance of wearing sunscreen to protect children from skin cancer later in life;
- The use of sunscreen with a sun protection factor of eight reduces the skin production of vitamin D by 97.5% in adults5
» My child takes a multivitamin. Do they need Kids Ddrops® as well?
- The D Drops Company cannot make medical recommendations. The best advice comes from your physician.
- Kids Ddrops® was developed to provide a simple, safe, and fun way for toddlers and children to receive 400 IU of vitamin D3, without any other chemicals, or additives.
- Kids Ddrops® responds to a growing trend towards individualizing vitamin supplementation depending on natural diet, risk factors and healthcare professional advice vs. a general approach with multivitamins
» What is the vitamin D recommendation for children?
- The D Drops Company cannot make medical recommendations. Some medical associations have developed guidelines based on years of research and published literature. The best advice comes from your physician.
- Health Canada refers to a DRI (Daily Reference Intake) of 200 IU/day for babies >1 year. A supplement may be recommended for children whose diet contains <200 IU of vitamin D.
- The recent American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that older children and adolescents who do not obtain 400 IU/day of vitamin D through fortified milk (100 IU per 250mL serving) or through vitamin D-fortified foods (such as fortified cereals, eggs, fish) should receive a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU/day.6
» How do I give my child Kids Ddrops®?
- Ddrops® products, including Kids Ddrops® are designed to be dropped onto food, in drinks or dropped on a clean surface, then licked off the clean surface rather than dropped directly into the child's mouth.
- It is tasteless, so it does not alter the taste of food.
- For detailed instructions see How to use Kids Ddrops®
» Is it Ok to put Kids Ddrops® into hot drinks and/or warm food?
- Yes, Kids Ddrops® is designed to be put into food or drinks. The heat of cooking might lessen the potency of vitamin D by a few percentage points, but not enough to make a big difference. We suggest adding the Kids Ddrops® after cooking.
» Is there a concern about overdosing my child? What if I give too much? What is the most I can give?
- "The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for vitamin D for infants up to one year of age is set at 25ug (1,000 IU) per day which is based on studies examining the highest intake at which no adverse affects were observed on linear growth."7. (based on Health Canada 2004). – Note: the UL is defined as the highest continuing daily intake of a nutrient that is likely to pose no health risks for almost all individuals
- One purified drop of Kids Ddrop® contains 400 IU of vitamin D3, so 2-3 drops would represent the tolerable upper limit of vitamin D3 for infants.
- More info – The UL was set by a systematic approach. In the case of vitamin D, the critical adverse effect of vitamin D was retarded linear growth, observed at vitamin D intakes of 1,800-4,500 IU per day. A (NOAEL) level at which no adverse effects were observed is at 1,800 IU per day. A factor of 1.8 was applied to the NOAEL to account for any data uncertainty, resulting in the UL of 1,000 UI.8
» I think that I accidently gave my child 2 drops instead of just one drop. What should I do?
- One purified drop of Kids Ddrop® contains 400 IU of vitamin D3, so 2 drops would represent 800 IU which is under the tolerable upper limit of 1000 IU vitamin D3 for infants.
- The next day's dose can also be skipped, to make-up for the second drop.
» Can I be sure of the exact dose each time?
- Kids Ddrops® uses the "Eurodropper" technology. The size of each drop is based on surface tension and the stickiness between the oil and the dropper. These factors remain constant, thus ensuring a consistent drop size every time.
- To slow down how quickly the drop comes out, the bottle is tilted slightly from vertical. Unlike an eyedropper with a rubber bulb, there is no need to do anything other than hold the bottle upside down, and the liquid does not get contaminated by the rubber bulb.
- We consider the Eurodropper format safer for children than an eyedropper style liquid vitamin D: A Eurodropper limits the amount of vitamin D dosage that can get out by accident, since it comes one drop at a time. The contents also cannot all spill out if the bottle tips over. The eyedropper can get dirty easily.
» What is the best time of day to give Kids Ddrops®
- Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, so it is stored in the body until it is required. Therfore, the time of day is not a factor when giving Kids Ddrops®. The best advice is to establish a daily routine that allows parents to remember to give the drop consistently each day.
» What are the differences between the Kids Ddrops® and other vitamin D products?
- Here are some of the differences between Kids Ddrops® and other liquid vitamin D drops
(also referred to as 'conventional water-based vitamin D drops)Kids Ddrops® Other Vitamin D products
(chewable tablets, liquid, etc.)Kids Ddrops® is the sunshine vitamin in just one drop! Chewable products and liquids require flavour additives to make these products taste good so that kids will take them. Kids Ddrops® is tasteless, odourless with no artificial flavours, no colouring and requires no preservatives. It is wheat-free, gluten-free, soya-free, sugar-free and peanut-free. Kids Ddrops® is tasteless, odourless with no artificial flavours, no colouring and requires no preservatives. It is wheat-free, gluten-free, soya-free, sugar-free and peanut-free. Contains vitamin D, along with sweet flavouring, colouring and other additives. (i.e. Glucose syrup, sucrose, aspartame, gelatine, etc.) Kids Ddrops® uses a Eurodropper format which limits the amount of vitamin D dosage that can get out by accident, as it comes one drop at a time. Flavoured chewable products are often similar to candy, and there can be concern about the potential for overdose. The contents cannot all spill out if the bottle tips over. Liquids can easily spill out of the bottle. Kids Ddrops® is stable. It has a long shelf life and does not require refrigeration. Products expiry date can vary. Chewable products can get sticky, depending on the product and storage conditions. Very low potential of contamination, as the Eurodropper acts as a barrier, keeping Kids Ddrops® pure and clean. Higher potential of contamination, as people often need to use fingers and hands to get chewable products out of the container. - When compared to gummies or chewables, Kids Ddrops® are purified drops without added chemicals, sugar or flavours.
» What is the difference between Baby Ddrops® and Kids Ddrops®?
- Both products contain 400 IU of naturally sourced vitamin D in just one drop.
- Kids Ddrops® 400 IU is a simple, safe, and fun way for toddlers and children to receive 400 IU of vitamin D and features an appealing package for children.
- Kids Ddrops® 400 IU is a 60 drop product (1.7mL), while Baby Ddrops® is a 90 drop product (2.5mL). This provides an option of a lower purchase price (approximately $12 vs $16). The cost per dose of both products remains the same, approximately 20 cents per dose.
- The instructions for Kids Ddrops® are different than those for Baby Ddrops®, so we felt it would be better to have a package designed just for children. The instructions for Baby Ddrops® are specific to breast-fed babies and placing the drop on clean surface, such as mom's nipple and having the baby suck to ingest the drop. Kids Ddrops® dosing involves having the drop placed on food or in a drink.
» What else is in this product?
- Kids Ddrops® contains naturally-sourced vitamin D and a thin vegetable oil. The oil is purified from coconut and palm kernel oil. There is no chemical treatment involved. The oil is distilled and is similar to the oils present in breast milk.
- It is wheat-free, gluten-free, soya-free, sugar-free and peanut-free. It is tasteless, odourless with no artificial flavours, no colouring and requires no preservative. Consumers may want to compare this list of ingredients with those in conventional water-based products.
» What is the source of the vitamin D?
- Vitamin D3 is the form naturally produced in human skin exposed to sunlight. Drops® brand vitamin D3 is a naturally sourced from lanolin (the oil obtained from wool of sheep and lambs). The lanolin is exposed to ultraviolet light to activate the fat that then turns into vitamin D3. The vitamin D3 is purified and used for our vitamin D3 supplement found in Ddrops® brands. Although Ddrops® brand vitamin D3 is an animal sourced product, the animal is not harmed during this process. Kids Ddrops® are suitable for lacto-ovo vegetarians.
» How long is the product good for?
- The expiry date is printed on the bottle, as well as the box. The product has a stable shelf-life for several years beyond time of manufacturing.
- The oil used in Kids Ddrops® is purified to remove elements that tend to go bad. This oil does not go rancid when exposed to air, and the amber glass bottle protects it from light. The oil protects the vitamin D, keeping it stable.
» Does Kids Ddrops® need to be refrigerated once the bottle is opened?
- Kids Ddrops® products do not require refrigeration
» What if the Kids Ddrops® bottle is left outside and freezes?
- Stability testing for Kids Ddrops® products has been done between 15°C and 30°C.
- We have tested the effects of freezing on Ddrops®. It does become hard at temperatures below freezing, but after it thaws back to room temperature, Ddrops® returns back to normal
» My bottle of Kids Ddrops® seems to be only ¼ full? Has some product leaked out?
- Kids Ddrops® 400 IU is sold as a 60 drop or 1.7mL product. The bottle size used for Ddrops® products is a standard size of 15mL, so it appears to be partially full, although it contains enough product to dispense at least 60 drops (or 1.7mL).
- Smaller bottles are not used, as it is important to be able to read the print on the label.
- Always check the safety seal and look for signs of leakage.
» How much does Kids Ddrops® cost?
- The price may vary from retailer to retailer, however Kids Ddrops® retails for approximately $12. There are 60 drops in a bottle, which provide a total of 60 doses. This works out to approximately 20 cents per 1 drop dose.
- When comparing the price of Kids Ddrops® with other infant liquid vitamin D products, make sure to compare the cost on a per dose basis. Typically, other liquid vitamin D products provide a total of 50 doses. In our experience, Kids Ddrops® is a cost effective choice on a per dose basis.
- As part of the commitment to Health Canada, The D Drops Company does not give product directly to the public.
- Some physicians have samples of Kids Ddrops®.
» Where can I buy Kids Ddrops®?
- You can find Kids Ddrops® at Rexall Pharma Plus and online retailers. For more details, go to "Where to buy". As our distribution of Kids Ddrops® is expanding, we are updating this page on a regular basis.
» I have not heard about Kids Ddrops® before...my doctor has not told me about this. Why?
- Kids Ddrops® is a new product that utilizes innovative technology and physicians are becoming more aware of this alternative to other vitamin D supplements.
- It has been developed by researchers in Canada.
1Autier P, Gandini S. Vitamin D supplementation and total mortality: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Arch Intern Med 2007;167(16):1730-7.
2Osteoporosis Canada, Vitamin D: A key factor in good calcium absorption
3Hanley, DA and Davison, S. Vitamin D Insufficiency in North America. The Journal of Nutrition, 135: 332-337.Feb. 2005 Journal of Nutrition
4Maguire, J et. al. Revelence and predictors of vitamin D deficiency in urban Canadian toddlers:a TARGet Kids! Study. 2009 abstract 4545.2 presented at Pediatric Acedemic Society (PAS)
5Health Canada, Health Canada.ca
6Wagner, Carol L et. al. Prevention of Rickets and Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants, Children and Adolescents Paediatrics 2008; vol. 122 No. 5 p. 1142-1152
7Vitamin D supplementation for breastfed infants 2004. Health Canada recommendation document (p3)
8Vitamin D supplementation for breastfed infants 2004 – Questions and Answers document -Health Canada, Food and Nutrition, Children and Nutrition,
9Mead Johnson Company, D Vi-Sol list of non-medical ingredients
10Mead Johnson Company, D Vi-sol brochure for medical professional
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