Double the vitamin D for kids

According to the nation’s leading pediatricians group, children ranging from newborns to teens need double the normally suggested amount of vitamin D. The reason for this new advice is that evidence shows that it may assist in preventing some serious diseases. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics said that in order for children to get the newly recommended 400 units daily of vitamin D, daily vitamin supplements will be needed. The previous advice came in 2003 from the academy, who recommended 200 units back then. 

Infants on formula usually don’t need supplements because baby formula contains vitamin D, but the academy recommends breast-feeding for the first year of life, although breast milk is sometimes insufficient.

Even though most milk contains vitamin D, many children and teens don’t drink the recommended amount of four cups daily. Incredibly, cases of rickets, a bone disorder resulting from malnourishment accouring in the 1800′s, continues to occur.

Besides helping bones to stay strong, research suggests that vitamin D might reduce the chances of getting cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Unfortunately, it is not yet known how much vitamin D would be necessary to prevent disease, and the evidence is not conclusive.

As mentioned before, the government recommends 400 units for children. The same amount applies to adults up to age 70, and 600 units are suggested for those aged 71 and up.

Other than milk and fortified foods like cereal, vitamin D can be found in oily fish such as tuna, sardines and mackerel.

A vitamin D researcher at Oregon State University, Adrian Gombart, said that the new recommendations are safe but that the 400 units “is probably not enough.” His lab work using human tissue has revealed that vitamin D helps to increase amounts of a protein that kills bacteria. He even said that there are many experts that believe that as much as 800 to 1000 units daily would be better at fighting disease.

It is difficult to get enough vitamin D through diet alone. Sunlight is said to be the best source, because the body makes vitamin D when the sun reaches the skin.

Although 10 to 15 minutes in the sun without sunscreen a few times a week is enough for most people, those with darker skin or living in northern, less sunny areas need more. Since there is a risk of skin cancer from sunlight, vitamin D supplements are necessary during infancy, childhood and adolescence.