How much vitamin D do kids need and how can I make sure my child is getting enough?

Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics doubled the amount of vitamin D they recommend for infants, children and teens from 200 IU to 400 IU (International Units) a day. The reason? New studies show that increasing children's vitamin D intake is not only safe, but also can help prevent rickets and provide life-long health benefits.¹ Each cup of milk provides 100 UI of vitamin D, so 4 cups provide 400 IU, the new recommended amount. Some yogurts and cheeses are also fortified with vitamin D. You can tell by checking the nutrition labels.

Dairy foods are the main sources of calcium and vitamin D in American's diets.² These two nutrients work together to help build strong bones, much like a key and a locked door. Vitamin D is the key that unlocks the door and helps calcium to be absorbed by the body so it can be used to build strong bones.

Consuming at least three servings of vitamin D-fortified milk, or other vitamin-D fortified milk products, is one of the best ways to ensure your child gets the vitamin D, as well as calcium, needed each day. Also, the AAP recommends talking to your pediatrician to make sure that your child is getting enough vitamin D. Keep in mind that other foods fortified with vitamin-D (ie: juices, cereal) may help meet the new vitamin D recommendation, but are not substitutes for milk in the diet. Vitamin D-fortified milk also provides eight other essential nutrients that contribute to overall health and reduce the risk for chronic disease.³

1. Wagner, CL, FR Greer, Section on Breastfeeding and Committee on Nutrition. Pediatrics, 122(5): 1142-1152.
2. Miller, GD, JK Jarvis, LD McBean. Handbook of Dairy Foods and Nutrition, 3rd ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 2007.
3. Keast, DR, SL Hoerr, V Fulgoni, et al. FASEB J. 19(4): A59 (abst. # 62.5), 2005.

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