The American Academy of Pediatrics has just issued new guidelines for vitamin D supplements in children. It is now recommended that all infants, children and adolescents receive 400 IU of vitamin D per day; the previous recommendation was for 200 IU per day. Our bodies naturally make vitamin D when exposed to sunlight; however, it is needed in the diet if there is not enough exposure to the sun on a regular basis.
Breastmilk is low in vitamin D, and it is recommended that all breastfed infants receive a vitamin supplement containing 400 IU of vitamin D. However, some experts feel that these infants simply need to get enough sunlight every week, though it is difficult to predict how much is needed and how much a child is getting since it differs due to latitude and skin color. Infant formula contains the recommended amount of vitamin D.
Toddlers and older children usually get most of their vitamin D from milk; however, 32 ounces per day would be required to obtain 400 IU of vitamin D, which is more milk per day than is generally recommended. The AAP recommends that any child not taking 32 ounces of milk per day also be on a daily vitamin supplement containing 400 IU of vitamin D. However, with sunlight, other dairy products, and milk combined, children may be able to get the recommended amount without supplements. Other foods that are high in vitamin D are oily fish and canned salmon.
Vitamin D is important to prevent rickets, a bone disease that has become more common in recent years, probably due to decreased sunlight exposure in children. Vitamin D has also been shown to affect the immune system and may play a role in preventing cancer. Either through diet, sunlight, or vitamin supplements, parents should be sure their children are getting enough vitamin D.