New Dietary Guidelines: Pediatricians Recommend “Doubling the D”

Reasons for Double the D
Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium in the digestive system, and is an important factor in bone development and strength. Severe deficiency can cause rickets, a disease marked by stunted growth, fractures and bone deformities. Rickets was common prior to the 20th century when many people were malnourished, but reported cases have been on the rise recently as well.

Research shows that vitamin D might also play a role in reducing the incidence of many other diseases. Rates of diabetes, cancer and heart disease may be lower in those who get plenty of vitamin D. Children who get the newly recommended amount can likely look forward to a lower risk of osteoporosis when they get older. Evidence also shows that vitamin D helps the immune system function optimally, thereby lowering the risk of infections and autoimmune conditions.

Vitamin D Sources
Foods containing vitamin D include milk, fortified cereals, and oily fish such as sardines, mackerel and tuna. It is difficult for most people to get enough vitamin D from their diet, so another way to get it is through exposure to sunlight which prompts the body to manufacture vitamin D. People who live in climates with little sun and those with darker-pigmented skin may have trouble producing sufficient amounts of the vitamin in this way, however. Also, sun exposure should be limited due to the increased risk of skin cancer that comes along with it. It is difficult to determine how much sun exposure would contribute significantly to vitamin D production while still falling within safe levels for the skin.

Supplementation of the vitamin is one way to ensure that you’re getting the recommended amount.

Infants who are fed formula may not need vitamin D supplements, since baby formula is fortified with the vitamin. But breast-fed infants may require supplementation because breast milk doesn't contain adequate amounts, especially if the mother's diet is deficient in the vitamin. Children and teenagers would need to drink four to six cups of vitamin D-fortified milk per day to get the newly recommended daily amount. Since most do not meet that requirement, supplementation is essential to meeting the new guidelines.

Additionally, some medications can block vitamin D absorption, and children who take them will need increased amounts of the vitamin.

The American Academy of Pediatrics also stresses the importance of adequate vitamin D intake during pregnancy, as it plays a role in the healthy development of the fetus. The Academy recommends measuring vitamin D levels as part of prenatal care.

The research results indicating the far-reaching health benefits of increased vitamin D intake are preliminary and anecdotal, but still convincing enough to warrant the new recommendation, according to the Academy. Some researchers even think the new recommendation is still too low; however, others warn against excessive supplementation.

If you’re concerned about the amount of D you or your kids should be getting daily, visit with your healthcare provider or a nutritionist; either can get you on the right path when it comes to this essential vitamin.