Health Briefs

Published: October 13, 2008

The nation’s leading pediatricians group said children from newborns to teens should get double the usually recommended amount of vitamin D because of evidence that it may help prevent serious diseases.

To meet the new recommendation of 400 units daily, millions of children will need to take daily vitamin D supplements, the American Academy of Pediatrics said. That includes breast-fed infants — even those who get some formula, too, and many teens who drink little or no milk.

Reduced risks: Research has shown potential benefits from vitamin D besides keeping bones strong, including suggestions that it might reduce risks for cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

More protein: Adrian Gombart, a vitamin D researcher at Oregon State University, said vitamin D helps increase levels of a protein that kills bacteria. He said many experts believe that between 800 and 1,000 units daily would be more effective at helping fight disease.

Milk: Most commercially available milk is fortified with vitamin D, but most children and teens don’t drink enough of it. Four cups daily would be needed to meet the new requirement, experts say.

Fish: Vitamin D is found in oily fish including tuna, mackerel and sardines.

Sunshine: It’s hard to get enough through diet; the best source is sunlight because the body makes vitamin D when sunshine hits the skin.

From Wire Services

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