Vitamin D and Calcium are important for bone growth and to prevent Rickets.   New recommendations for Vitamin D are based on new clinical trials and support a role in preventing Diabetes and Cancer.  Of the two of these calcium is found in abundant sources.  (See below for examples).  Vitamin D is more difficult to find, so we do recommend that children TAKE a supplement.  See the products below – along with the links posted.

What are the current recommendations for Vitamin D?

1. Breastfed infants and partially breastfed infants should be supplemented with 400 IU/day of Vitamin D until your infant is weaned to at least 28 ounces of vitamin fortified formula.  When switching to milk at 12 months of age.  Whole milk should be used until age 2 unless overweight is a concern or in those with a family history of obesity, high cholesterol or early heart disease before the age of 55.

2. All nonbreastfed infants and older children who are ingesting < 30 ounces of formula or milk per day, should receive 400 IU per day of vitamin D.  Other dietary sources of vitamin D, such as fortified foods, may be included in the daily intake of each child.

3. Adolescents who do not obtain 400 IU of vitamin D per day through vitamin D milk (100 IU per 8 ounces) and vitamin D fortified foods (such as cereal and eggs) should receive a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU per day.

Here are some of the choices to supplement Vitamin D:

• Enfamil D Vi Sol - vitamins – contains vitamin D.  Contains 50 doses.  1 ml contains 400 IU of vitamin D
• Bio-D Mulsion – 1 drop contains 400 IU of vitamin D.  Contains 750 doses.  Just be careful using, there is a risk of incorrect dosing since this is very concentrated.  It is also inexpensive
• Just D – Sunlight Vitamins Inc.  Contains 50 doses.  Contains only vitamin D with no additives.  www.sunlightvitamins.com
• Enfamil Tri Vi Sol vitamins – contains vitamins A, D, and C.  Contains 50 doses.  1 ml contains 400 IU of vitamin D

 

 

 

What are the current recommendations for calcium?

How much calcium your body needs varies according to age. You need the most calcium between 9 and 18 years of age.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following daily intake of calcium:

How to get calcium

The best way to get the calcium that you need is by eating and drinking foods that naturally contain calcium. Many foods contain some calcium, but the best sources include the following:

• Low-fat milk, yogurt, and other milk products are generally super sources of calcium.
• Flavored milks, such as chocolate or strawberry, have as much calcium as plain milk but may have more calories.
• Dark green, leafy vegetables such as kale and turnip greens are low in calories and high in calcium. However, spinach is not a good source of calcium.
• Broccoli, tofu, chickpeas, lentils, split peas, and canned salmon and sardines (and other fish with bones) also are good sources of calcium.
• Calcium-fortified juices and cereals can help boost the calcium in your diet, but limit yourself to 8 to 12 ounces (1½ cups) of juice a day.