There are liquid preparations that give the recommended intake of 400 IU in ½ or 1 mL. Chewable vitamins are generally regarded as safe for children over the age of three who can chew hard foods and candy.įor breast or bottle-fed babies: Liquid supplements are the best option. When it comes to giving your child a vitamin D supplement, there are several liquid forms for infants. If a child or a teenager is not consuming enough vitamin D in his or her diet, a supplement may be needed.

Unless the child is drinking 32 ounces of infant formula per day, a For formula-fed babies, the requirements are the same. Vitamin D supplements are important because most children will not get enough of this vitamin through diet alone.īreastfed infants should get an adequate supply of vitamin D through a supplement of 400 IU per day. With growing evidence showing the life-long health benefits of vitamin D, the AAP raised its recommended daily requirement for children need in 2008. Toddlers, older children, and adolescents need 600 IU of vitamin D each day. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) currentlyīabies younger than 12 months old need 400 When does my child need vitamin D? And how much?Īll children need vitamin D beginning shortly after birth. Research suggests that people with vitamin D deficiency may be at increased risk forĭepression. Immune system response and has been linked with mental health. Vitamin D deficiency also increases the risk of broken bones in older children, teens, and adults. Rickets is a bone-softening disease that can affect growing children, especially in the first two years of life.

It ensures the body absorbs and retains enough calcium and phosphorus, both critical for building strong bones and preventing

And researchers haveįound that 17% of adolescents and 32% of young adults were deficient in vitamin D. Among children between 1 to 11 years old, anĮstimated 15% have vitamin D deficiency. Because of lifestyle changes and sunscreen use, about 42% of Americans are deficient in vitamin D.

Studies show that many children aren't getting enough of this essential vitamin, which plays a key role in helping them grow strong and healthy. By: Anthony Porto, MD, MPH, FAAP & Sarah Abu-Alreesh, MD, FAAPĬommon wisdom says that if your child drinks milk and plays outside, they are getting enough vitamin D, right? Surprisingly, that may not be the case.

Download vitamin d for newborns