Vitamin D
Print This PageVitamin D has been getting much attention. We know that Vitamin D is necessary for proper bone growth. It also plays an important role in maintaining the immune system and may prevent several diseases, including cancer, diabetes mellitus, and multiple sclerosis.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has raised the recommended daily intake of Vitamin D for children and adolescents from 200 IU to 400 IU. One source of Vitamin D is sunlight, which triggers the body to manufacture it. However, the amount of sun exposure that children get varies and we stress the importance of sun protection.
The sole dietary source of Vitamin D for infants is breast milk or formula. However, breast milk may not contain sufficient amounts of Vitamin D. Infants may not take the 32 ounces of formula needed daily to get 400 IU of Vitamin D. The main source of Vitamin D for children and adolescents is Vitamin D fortified milk. Most children take less than the 32 ounces of milk required to get 400 IU of Vitamin D.
We now recommend that all breastfed babies and all non-breastfed infants who take less than 32 ounces of formula receive a Vitamin D supplement of 400 IU daily. All children and adolescents who do not get 400 IU of Vitamin D per day through vitamin D-fortified milk and vitamin D-fortified foods should also receive a Vitamin D supplement of 400 IU daily. This means that most babies, children, and adolescents should receive a vitamin D supplement.