(October 13, 2008)--The American Academy of Pediatrics says children from newborns to teenagers should get double the usually recommended amount of vitamin D in a new recommendation based on mounting research about the potential benefits from vitamin D besides keeping bones strong, including suggestions that it might reduce risks for cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
To meet the new recommendation, millions of children, including breast-fed infants and many teens who drink little or no milk, will need to take daily vitamin D supplements.
Vitamin D is also found in cereal and some types of fish including tuna, mackerel and sardines.
The best source is sunlight, because the body makes vitamin D when sunshine hits the skin.
"We are doubling the recommended amount of vitamin D children need each day because evidence has shown this could have life-long health benefits," said Frank Greer, MD, FAAP, chair of the AAP Committee on Nutrition and co-author of the report.
“Supplementation is important because most children will not get enough vitamin D through diet alone.”
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