Children from newborns to teens need double the previously recommended amount of vitamin D, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). New research points to growing evidence that the nutrient once called “sunshine vitamin” is needed in increased amounts to prevent serious diseases, in addition to strengthening bones.

The new recommendation of 400 units daily replaces a 2003 AAP recommendation of 200 units daily. To meet the new vitamin D recommendation, millions of children will need to take daily vitamin supplements. This includes breastfed infants and many children and teens. The new recommendations include:

• Breastfed and partially breastfed infants should be supplemented with 400 IU a day of vitamin D beginning in the first few days of life.
• All non-breastfed infants, as well as older children, who are consuming less than a quart per day of vitamin D-fortified formula or milk, should receive a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU a day.
• Adolescents who do not obtain 400 IU of vitamin D per day through foods should take a supplement containing that amount.
• Children with increased risk of vitamin D deficiency, such as those taking certain medications, may need higher doses of vitamin D.

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Tags: AAP, American Academy of Pediatrics, cod liver oil, dietary supplements, Frank Greer, pediatrician and co-author, rickets, skin cancer, skin cancer concern, sunlight deficiency, U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, United States, University of Wisconsin, Vitamin D, Vitamin D deficiency, Wisconsin

After writing about how bad the sun is for you I have found this very balanced article by Robert Bazell at MSNBC that offers a great counter point to how good or bad the sun is for you. As always I believe that some good research is the most important way for anyone to decide weather they are doing the right thing or not as everyone has a bias as far as this subject goes.

The heresy: the sun can be healthy. The heretic: Dr. Michael Holick of Boston University, a seemingly gentle, but combative scientist-physician who studies the beneficial effects of Vitamin D, produced by our skin when exposed to the sun.

Report a story about Holick’s research and a reporter can expect to get — as I did — a rocket in the name of the president of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) alleging that the information endangers America’s health.

This battle is not about facts
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Tags: America, American Academy of Dermatology, Boston University, breast cancer, combative scientist-physician, Dermatology Department, heart disease, high blood pressure, melanoma, Michael Holick, National Cancer Institute, nevi, New England Journal, New England Journal of Medicine, osteoporosis, president, prostate cancer, reporter, rickets, Robert Bazell, skin cancer, squamous cell carcinomas, sunburns, Thomas Kupper, Vitamin D, Vitamin D deficiency, Women�s Hospital