Children need vitamin D. We know that. How much is a little more difficult. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAD) has concluded that kids need more than previously thought. They raised their daily minimal recommendation from 200 IU to 400 IU. An IU is an "international unit." This is just a standard unit of measurement, like using grams for protein or milligrams for calcium. But why the increase? Investigators reviewed current pertinent studies and decided, first, they could safely recommend the increase. Secondly, rickets (softening of bones, leading to deformities) is still around. The new dosage will not only better prevent but also treat that disease, if needed. Lastly, scientists are finding that adequate vitamin D levels are so essential to health in adults, they think starting early on in children may have unknown lifelong benefits. A cup of fortified milk has 100 IU, and breast milk has none, so you see the problem. It's difficult, if n...
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