Vitamin D and your kids
Vitamin D, best known as the sunshine vitamin, is essential for bone growth and strength, neuromuscular health, immune system function and the reduction of inflammation in the body. Sufficient vitamin D can ward off rickets in children and osteomalacia and osteoporosis in adults and contributes to general health. Getting enough vitamin D can be tricky since the fat-soluble vitamin is not naturally found in many foods,
and exposure to the sun is needed for the body to synthesize its own vitamin D. A rise in rickets and vitamin D deficiency in children has prompted the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to recently issue new vitamin D recommendations for infants, children and adolescents. Learn how to best protect your child from bone disease and vitamin D deficiency.
Babies and children with thin brittle bones
In children, insufficient vitamin D can lead a bone disease called rickets. Rickets, which first became problematic in the 18th century, is characterized by thin, brittle bones (at risk for fracture), skeletal deformity, muscle weakness, dental problems, and even misshapening of the head. The disease has a peak incidence between three and 18 months and can lead to life-long skeletal problems.
The incidence of rickets was brought down in the 18th century through improved nutrition. However, experts suspect the incidence of rickets may be on the rise again, due to insufficient vitamin D intake and lack of sun exposure. Babies who are exclusively breast-fed, particularly by mothers who also have a vitamin D deficiency, as well as children who are not exposed to sunlight and do not consume vitamin D fortified foods are especially at risk for the bone-damaging disease.
New vitamin D recommendations
Up until now, the vitamin D recommendation for children was 200 international units (IU) per day starting at two months and continuing into adolescence. Based on evidence from more recent research, the AAP has updated the vitamin D recommendation to 400 IU per day starting shortly after birth.
Infants who are exclusively breastfed should receive supplements until they are weaned and consuming at least one liter – or about four cups – of vitamin D-fortified formula or whole milk per day. Likewise, children who are not getting 400 IU per day through food and drink should also take a 400 IU vitamin D supplement daily.
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, a division of the National Institutes of Health, all formulas sold in the United States provide at least 400 IU vitamin D per liter, and the majority of vitamin D-only and multivitamin liquid supplements provide 400 IU per serving (be sure to read the labels).
Kid-friendly tips to get enough vitamin D
Even though very few foods naturally contain vitamin D, the following tips can help ensure your kids are getting enough of the bone-boosting vitamin.
