If you decide not to supplement your child, we recommend annual vitamin D testing. When children were tested for vitamin D status, over 70% were considered insufficient. Vitamin D, especially when given in very simple supplements, is a safe and effective way to help build strong bones and prevent chronic disease. While we agree with this philosophy, vitamin D may be the exception. We know that some parents are uncomfortable with supplementation and think that children should get all they need from their food. They would need to drink 48 ounces of fortified milk – far too much! Again, kids 12+ months need 600 IU per day, an amount that is very difficult to obtain through food. What does this mean? Essentially every child should receive a vitamin D supplement throughout infancy and childhood, unless they are getting at least 32 oz of formula as a baby or if they’re breastfeeding and mom is taking 6400 IU vitamin D herself. “ Children with an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency, such as those taking certain medications and with chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, may need higher doses of vitamin D.This amount is found in 6 cups of vitamin D fortified milk – far too much milk for most kids. Children and adolescents who do not get 600 IU of vitamin D per day through foods should receive a vitamin D supplement.Formula-fed or combo-fed infants who are consuming less than 32 ounces per day of vitamin D-fortified formula should receive a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU a day.It is not unsafe to take 6400 IU yourself and supplement baby with vitamin D concurrently if you are worried about baby’s vitamin D status.) This amount is about 8x what is in a traditional prenatal or multivitamin. “ Breastfed and partially breastfed infants should be supplemented with 400 IU a day of vitamin D beginning in the first few days of life.” (Feeding Littles edit: new research suggests that if a breastfeeding mom is taking 6400 IU vitamin D a day, supplementation is not necessary.Interestingly, vitamin D is the only supplement routinely recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. However, since sunscreen use is important for skin cancer prevention, coupled with our indoor lifestyles, most people are vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D is traditionally known for promoting strong bone growth, as it helps the body utilize calcium, but newer research also suggests that optimal vitamin D status may help prevent chronic diseases like asthma, cardiovascular disease and cancer. The best source of vitamin D is sunlight. This allows us to continue to recommend products and put together resources utilizing our professional expertise. If you click to the links in this post we will receive a small commission, at no cost to you.This list is not specific to any medical conditions or nutrient deficiencies. If you need more personalized help, please work with your pediatrician or pediatric dietitian.If you love the product you’re taking and it’s available to the greater public (not via direct sales), feel free to reach out to us so we can review it. ![]() This list is by no means exhaustive or all-inclusive. There are so many products out there – these are simply the products we have used and feel good about.In addition, look for brands that describe purity standards, clearly list ingredients that are easy to pronounce, and are widely available or available through medical providers. ![]() Unless your provider recommends supplementing for a deficiency, choose supplements that are less than 100% of the RDA/RDI (Recommended Dietary Allowance) per serving. Keep an eye out for what you don’t want: too much.
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