The new miracle vitamin is D. I have read study after study lately touting the positive effects (decrease cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, etc.) of an adequate amount. The problem is that no one knows how much is adequate. Most agree that current recommendations are too low. You can get it from the sun, but at the increased risk of skin cancer. It is very difficult to get enough in your diet, even with added supplementation in food, such as milk.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAD) agrees that kids need more and has changed its daily recommendations from 200 IU to 400 IU. Why do they think more is needed?
One reason is Rickets still exists in the U.S. The disease causes bone softening and resultant deformities. The culprit is lack of Vitamin D. Another reason is that getting enough vitamin D early on may increase the benefits of the positive results found in adults.
The AAP especially stresses vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy and in breastfed babies.
They recommend the following (which are direct quotes).
- Breastfed and partially breastfed infants should be supplemented with 400 IU a day of vitamin D, beginning in the first few days of life.
- All non-breastfed infants, as well as older children, who are drinking less than one quart per day of vitamin D-fortified formula or milk, should receive a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU a day.
- Adolescents who do not get 400 IU of vitamin D per day through foods should take a supplement containing that amount.
- Children with increased risk of vitamin D deficiency, such as those taking certain medications, may need higher doses of vitamin D
I expect increased recommendations in adults soon.
Are you going to change, or do you think this is just another hype?