Does My Child Get Enough Vitamin D

Living and working in the Pacific Northwest, I often hear questions about vitamin D, especially during the long dark winters. Vitamin D research has also been in the news recently. Here is some basic information about vitamin D, which hopefully will answer any questions you may have.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is an important vitamin that aids bone growth and development by regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus.

What are sources of Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is not found in many foods; therefore, milk is fortified with vitamin D in the United States. Vitamin D is also synthesized in the skin after exposure to sunlight.

What happens if your child doesn’t get enough Vitamin D?

In severe cases of vitamin D deficiency, children can develop rickets. Rickets is a disease characterized by thin brittle bones, which can lead to fractures and deformities.

What is the recommendation for Vitamin D intake by children?

As the amount of vitamin D in human breast milk is insufficient for infant nutrition, supplements are recommended for breast-fed babies. Infant formula is fortified with vitamin D; however, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a supplementation of liquid vitamin D to be given to infants daily if they do not consume more than 27 to 32 ounces of formula a day. Liquid vitamin D is often sold in a formulation that also has vitamins A and C, which are safe for infants to consume.

For older children who consume milk, the AAP recommends four 8-ounce glasses of milk a day to obtain adequate vitamin D. This is equal to a dosage of approximately 400 IU/day of vitamin D. Vitamin supplementation via liquid or pill is recommended if children do not consume adequate quantities of milk.

What if my child is exposed to sunlight? Will he/she need supplementation?

Sunlight exposure varies in different parts of the country, with the northern part of the country having less sunlight. Synthesis of vitamin D from sunlight exposure also depends on use of sunscreen and skin pigmentation. Therefore, sunlight exposure is often not enough to provide adequate vitamin D.

Dr. Connie Wang is a board-certified pediatrician at the Pacific Medical Centers Canyon Park clinic. Dr. Wang received her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, and did her residency training at the University of California, Los Angeles. To make an appointment or to learn more about Dr. Wang, click here.

April 2011

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Read more about the author, Connie S. Wang, MD or call for an appointment: (425) 412-7200.