Pediatricians up vitamin D recommendations

BOSTON, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- Officials at the American Academy of Pediatrics Monday doubled the recommended amount of vitamin D for U.S. infants, children and adolescents.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all children receive 400 International Units a day of vitamin D, beginning in the first few days of life. The previous recommendation, issued in 2003, called for 200 IU per day beginning in the first two months of life.

"We are doubling the recommended amount of vitamin D children need each day because evidence has shown this could have life-long health benefits," report co-author Dr. Frank Greer said in a statement.

Breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for infants. However, because of vitamin D deficiencies in the maternal diet, it is important that breastfed infants receive supplements of vitamin D, the study authors said.

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, the report said. Adolescents who do not obtain 400 IU of vitamin D per day through foods should receive a supplement containing that amount, the researchers added.

The finding is scheduled to be published in the November issue of the journal Pediatrics