American Academy of Pediatrics Doubles Vitamin D Recommendations

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently doubled the recommended amount of vitamin D for infants, children and adolescents from 200 IU a day to 400 units per day. The guidelines were revised based on new clinical trials and past recommendations that 400 IU of vitamin D per day can be safely given to children to prevent or treat rickets and may provide additional health benefits. According to the AAP report, children 1 year of age and older should consume vitamin D from vitamin D-fortified milk and other fortified foods and take a supplement if needed, under guidance by a pediatrician. Babies that are exclusively and partially breastfed are particularly at risk for vitamin D deficiency and should receive a vitamin D supplement until they begin drinking at least 32 ounces of formula a day. 

Consuming three servings of vitamin D-fortified milk not only provides vitamin D but also many other nutrients that contribute to overall health and a reduced risk of chronic diseases. Dairy foods are the main sources of calcium and vitamin D in the diets of Americans. Three 8-ounce glasses of lowfat or fat-free vitamin D-fortified milk or equivalent milk products daily, as recommended by the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans for ages 9 years and older, provide 90 percent of the recommended Daily Value (DV) for calcium and 75 percent of the DV for vitamin D. (For additional recommendations on daily serving sizes of milk and milk products for all age groups, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPyramid Web site). Additionally, of the five important nutrients cited in the 2005 Dietary Guidelines as “nutrients of concern” because of inadequate intake by children and adolescents (calcium, potassium, fiber, magnesium and vitamin E), dairy foods provide three – calcium, potassium and magnesium.

Try our 33 Terrifically Tasty Snack Ideas to boost your daily vitamin D consumption through snacks.