Vitamin D is being hailed as the new 'wonder vitamin' - Is your child getting enough vitamin D?

Bone growth depends mainly on the absorption from the intestine of two minerals, calcium and phosphorus.  Vitamin D is the agent that promotes this process. Without it, bones do not grow normally, causing deformities of the skeleton that in turn can lead to poor growth, anemia and potential complications such as pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Other Benefits:

• Adequate vitamin D throughout childhood may reduce the risk of osteoporosis.  
• New evidence suggests that vitamin D plays a role in the immune system and may help prevent infections, autoimmune diseases, cancer and diabetes.

Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency:

• Rickets – A clinical disease caused by a lack of vitamin D that has recently been on the increase. Classic signs include a potbelly, “knobby” ribs, and curved legs and arms. It can be treated with an adequate amount of vitamin D.
• Anemia.
• Increased susceptibility to serious infections such as pneumonia.

Recommended Dose of Vitamin D:

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that all infants and children have a minimum daily intake of 400 IU of vitamin D beginning soon after birth.

• Breastfed and partially breastfed infants consuming less than 1 liter (just under 1 quart, or 33.8 ounces) of infant formula per day should be supplemented with 400 IU a day of vitamin D beginning in the first few days of life because vitamin D requirements cannot be met by human milk alone (which provides only about 25 IU/L).
• All non-breastfed infants, as well as older children, who are consuming less than one quart per day of vitamin D-fortified formula or milk should receive a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU a day.
• Children with increased risk of vitamin D deficiency, such as those taking certain medications, may need higher doses of vitamin D.

Sources of Vitamin D available to a newborn:

• Sunlight - Ultraviolet light causes substances that are normally in the skin to be converted to vitamin D. However, it is strongly advised that infants younger than 6 months be kept out of direct sunlight. Activities that minimize sunlight exposure are preferred, and when outdoors, protective clothing as well as sunscreens should be used. These measures protect babies from skin damage, but block out vitamin D. 
• Infant formula - All formulas sold in the U.S. must meet vitamin D requirements, but younger babies will not be able to consume enough to get the recommended daily dose, and therefore will require a supplement.  
• Supplements - Most infants and growing children require supplements of vitamin D.
• Breast milk - Human milk contains a small amount Vitamin D - around 25 IU per liter. Some studies have shown that mothers can increase the Vitamin D in their breast milk, by adding a vitamin D supplement to their diet or ensuring some sunlight exposure each week.

What is in Vitamin D supplements?

There are 2 forms of vitamin D that have been used as supplements: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol, which is plant derived) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol, which is fish derived). Vitamin D3 has been shown to be more effective. Most fortified milk products and vitamin supplements now contain vitamin D3. They are available in drop form for younger children and in a chewable multivitamins for older children.

Babies who have very little exposure to sunlight, babies with darker skin and babies who are breastfed and have mothers who are deficient in Vitamin D are most at risk for low vitamin D levels. Is your baby getting enough vitamin D?

By Sandi Schwartz - Science writer and mom