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Vitamin D helps our bodies build strong bones, but recent studies show that it also plays an important role in preventing several chronic problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Adequate vitamin D also helps maintain a healthy immune system and may help prevent cancer. Up until recently it was assumed that our children got enough vitamin D from milk and sunlight. However, recent studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency is reaching epidemic proportions in children in the United States. Because of this, in the fall of 2008 the American Academy of Pediatrics increased the recommended about of daily vitamin D for infants and children from 200 IU up to 400 IU. The recommended amount of vitamin D for older children and adults is a minimum of 400 IU but may be up to 1000 IU each day. Where do we get vitamin D? It is true that we can get vitamin D from the sun. However it is also true that sunscreen is effective in preventing sunburn, fortunately, but it prevents the synthesis of vitamin D, unfortunately. In addition, at our latitude here in the Chicago area, we do not get any vitamin D from the sun from the autumn until the spring equinox. |
 Vitamin D is found naturally in only a few foods such as cod liver oil, beef liver, egg yolks and some fish. However it is also found in enriched foods such as milk, cereal, orange juice, and some kinds of yogurt. Supplements are also available for children whose diet is deficient in vitamin D. Infants who are breastfed also need a vitamin D supplement from birth until one year of age, unless they also take in at least 32 ounces of formula each day. It is important to understand that our concern about adequate vitamin D intake starts prenatally. A mother’s vitamin D supply effects her breast milk as well as her baby’s vitamin D stores. A minimum of 400 IU of vitamin D is recommended, but higher doses are needed for mothers who are vitamin D deficient. |
