The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has announced its decision to double the daily amount of vitamin D it recommends for all children, from its previous recommendation of 200 IU in 2003 to 400 IU per day.

In a news release, the AAP writes: “The change in recommendation comes after reviewing new clinical trials on vitamin D and the historical precedence of safely giving 400 IU per day to the pediatric population. Clinical data show that 400 units of vitamin D a day will not only prevent rickets, but treat it.”

Exclusively breastfed infants are at greatest risk of vitamin D deficiency as breast milk is a poor source of the vitamin. It is unlikely that food alone will provide sufficient vitamin D, and the AAP says that “it is difficult to determine a safe amount of sunlight exposure to synthesize vitamin D in a given individual.” Therefore supplementation will be necessary if children are going to receive the new recommended daily amount.  

It has long been known that vitamin D is vital for strong and healthy bones, and an adequate supply of vitamin D throughout childhood is thought to reduce the risk of osteoporosis in later life. However, over the last few years an ever-growing body of research suggests that the vitamin also plays an important role in protecting against a wide range of diseases, including cancer, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes.

"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: Prevention of Rickets and Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants, Children, and Adolescents.

Wagner CL, Greer FR, and the Section on Breastfeeding and Committee on Nutrition. Prevention of Rickets and Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants, Children, and Adolescents. www.pediatrics.org/cgi/doi/10.152/peds.2008-1862

News release: New guidelines double the amount of recommended vitamin D. American Academy of Pediatrics website. October 13th 2008.