For Strong Bones and More, Up Your Child's Vitamin D
Most Children Don't Get Enough Of This Sunshine Vitamin
Studies show that many children aren’t getting enough vitamin D, a finding that prompted the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to double the recommended daily dose of vitamin D to 400 IU (international units) for infants, children and teens.
The change in AAP guidelines was prompted in part by an increase in the number of US children diagnosed with rickets, which is caused by a vitamin D deficiency. Children with rickets develop problems because not enough calcium or phosphate is deposited at their growth plates. The result can be bowed legs, poor growth or frequent fractures.
Since the new AAP guidelines, Sarah Acton, MD, a pediatrician with Pediatric Associates of Mount Carmel, talks with parents at all wellchild check-ups about the importance of vitamin D and calcium.
“Our bodies need vitamin D to absorb calcium and promote bone growth,” she explains.
Nature’s Sources
While sunshine is the best source of vitamin D (the body makes vitamin D when exposed to sun), Dr. Acton cautions against excessive sun exposure. Some foods can also provide vitamin D, but getting enough through diet can be difficult. So Dr. Acton and her colleagues prescribe vitamin D supplements when appropriate.
Lack of vitamin D is associated with some chronic diseases and immune deficiencies.
According to a 2008 AAP study, new evidence suggests that vitamin D may prevent infections, autoimmune diseases and diabetes.
Newborns are Affected Too
"The new guidelines have changed the way pediatricians treat newborns", Dr. Acton adds. "Within days of birth, all breastfed babies are now given vitamin D."
Even though breastfeeding is the best source of infant nutrition, many mothers’ diets are deficient in vitamin D, so infants on full or partial breastfeeding often don’t get enough either.
Dr. Acton urges parents to follow this guideline about bone health: Formula-fed newborns who drink less than one liter (about 34 ounces) of vitamin D-fortified formula in a day need a supplement to reach the daily requirement of 400 IU of vitamin D. The same is true for older children if they aren’t getting their 400 IU daily from drinking at least 34 ounces of vitamin D-fortified milk or eating other vitamin-D enriched foods. Teens may also need supplements if they are not getting enough dairy products such as milk, cheese or yogurt.
