The American Academy of Pediatrics has doubled the amount of recommended vitamin D for all babies, children and adolescents, from 200 IU per day to 400 IU per day (source: healthy-children.org).
This is after trials showed that 400 IU per day is not only safe for children, but will prevent and treat rickets. Rickets is a disease affecting the growth and development of bones which is associated with vitamin D deficiency.
New research has shown that healthy levels of vitamin D may offer other benefits, too. It seems that receiving enough vitamin D throughout childhood can help prevent osteoporosis in later life and may also offer protection against autoimmune diseases, infections, diabetes and cancer.
Baby’s milk and vitamin D
Many infant formulas are fortified with vitamin D, so vitamin D supplementation is not always necessary as the amount provided by the milk may be adequate.
However – according to the AAP – breastfed babies do NOT receive enough vitamin D from their milk and should be routinely supplemented.
But is this ALWAYS the case?
There are organizations – including La Leche League – that disagree with routine vitamin D supplementation, arguing that a baby’s healthy vitamin D levels can be maintained by SAFE sun exposure. And that’s because the body naturally produces vitamin D following exposure to sunlight.
Read more about Your Baby and Vitamin D here…
before making the decision as to whether or not routine supplementation of the ‘sunshine vitamin’ is necessary for YOUR little one.
What do YOU think?
Do you feel that your baby should be tested for vitamin D deficiency BEFORE supplements are offered? Have you refused routine supplementation for your infant, but met opposition from your child’s doctor?
We’d love to hear from you – just leave your comments below or contact us here.