Vitamin D: Maintaining Our Bones and More
Although I feel the recent publicity surrounding the new Vitamin D guidelines for infants, children, and adolescents was more than sufficient, I'd like to reiterate these recommendations as I've not heard enough related chatter around here nor from my own patients since they were made known just 2 weeks ago. And for those of you unaware about the recent Vitamin D recommendations, the crux of these guidelines includes a doubling of the daily Vitamin D intake from 200 International Units (IU) to 400 IU in the childhood population beginning in the first few days of life.
But what is Vitamin D? Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin which helps to normalize blood levels of calcium and phosphorus, which ultimately helps to form and maintain our bones and prevent the onset of rickets (which is the softening and weakening of the bones of children potentially leading to skeletal deformities). And just as exciting, newer research has found it also may play a role in the prevention of osteoporosis, autoimmune disorders, high blood pressure and even cancer (stay tuned for more research to substantiate these claims).
What are some Vitamin D food sources? Just as you might think...fortified milk, eggs and fish. But don't forget your cod liver oil if you dare to try. And although not a food source, sunlight also helps produce Vitamin D...the only problem being too much sunlight has obvious negative consequences for our skin.
What about breastfed babies? Believe it or not, breast milk is somewhat deficient in Vitamin D and since there are no further guidelines recommending direct sunlight, breastfeed babies definitely require Vitamin D supplementation. Formula fed babies, however, find enough Vitamin D in their formula.
Why is this so important in our adolescent population? As studies have shown, a significant percentage of our adolescents are not getting enough Vitamin D. And with research showing that adult bone strength and hardness being related to both Vitamin D and calcium intake during the adolescent growth spurt, it becomes apparent how significant Vitamin D is in this age population.
So Why 400 IU? A great question as there may be some debate on whether the same recommendation should stand for newborns and adolescents 18 years of age. But what research has shown is 400 IU is a safe dose in the pediatrician population and this dose can also prevent and treat rickets.
Can Vitamin D overdosing occur? As it's not a water-soluble vitamin where the excess can be peed away, it is possible but the doses of Vitamin D needed greatly exceed the 400 IU recommendation. What one would see is an elevated calcium level in the blood (hypercalcemia) with a wide range of effects on the body including our cardiovascular system (hypertension), gastrointestinal system (nausea, vomiting), and our kidneys.
When will I implement these new guidelines? I already have.
Dr. Jeremy
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Very good and educational information.
By ellaallison November 17, 2008 2:08am
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Every single one of us, or someone we know, is facing some health challenges. It seems like everywhere you turn, there’s a story about how unhealthy most Americans have become. Obesity and diabetes are some of the major health issues we see. Both are, no doubt, on the rise among both adults and children. In a recent report from the New York Times, kidney stones are becoming more and more common in children as young as 5 or 6. Back in the ‘70s and ‘80s, a child with kidney stones was a rare case; nothing compared to what it is today. Two of the biggest risk factors are children (and adults) not drinking enough water and eating too much salt. It is hard, however, for parents to regulate their children’s intake 24-7 especially when parents are at work and while the children are at school. There’s really nothing more to do than to educate your children about the issue and healthy eating and most importantly, set a good example as well. Kidney stones are harmful to your children. In addition to that, it can also leave a major strain on your budget. If you are unable to cover those unexpected doctor bills, payday installment loans can get you the immediate cash you need to accommodate you or your child’s journey to recovery.
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By Davidjohnston November 4, 2008 2:57am
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From this I got more information about vitamin D. Thanks for giving this information.
By HealthInformation October 30, 2008 1:38am
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I am prone to kidney stones. My Doctor had mw see a Endocrinologist. He found I had a high PTH level. My vit D was 19. My Hyperparathiroid is not functioning correcly. Something to keep in mind or have checked if your Vit D is low. He put me on 50,000 a week for 6 weeks to bring my Vit D back up. Six weeks later its only up to 22. He also told me to get 30 min of sunshine a day. He had only mentioned Vit D milk as the only other sorce. Not feeling any better. Hyperparathyroid causes some of the same symtoms mentioned: fatigue, depression, forgetfullness.
By Waitingforhim October 29, 2008 11:18am
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Last year my doctor tested my 25 hydroxyvitamin D and found me to be severly deficient (8.9 ng/ml - optimal being >40). I've been taking suppliments since then as direct sunlight only raises it to somewhere in the low 20's. I get my vit D checked every 3 months and I've only gotten it >40 once -- while I was taking 10,000iu a day! Of course, most people make more than that by going into noon day sun for just 20 minutes. But it takes that much daily for me to just get an optimal reading and stay there.
One newsletter I get is from the Vitamin D Council -- Dr. John Cannell. Lots of great articles and info.
By LouS1960 October 29, 2008 5:43am
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A while back my specialist tested me for Vit D & I was low so she said get more sun at the safe times of the day & so if I am gardening or hanging out washing I wip off the shirt & enjoy the warmth for a while & my Vit D has come up to normall levels & I am sure it has lifted my mood. I think it is worht a try for anyone who is a bit down & you only need a few minutes a day so not usually a hassle. Cheers
By rjackds October 28, 2008 6:05pm
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Funny. Before the news came out with doubling vit D I had my kids on Complete vitamins and have kids eat peanut butter(has fat in it needed to absorb D). My kids get this vitamin because it is the ONLY kids vitamin I could find with D and a few other vitamins (B vit, etc) but it has no fish oil. So I guess if you double D in something that has none of it you still end up with nothing. I am glad you posted this info but WHY don't the vitamin companies make products with D, fishoil, all B vitamins(needed for DNA synthesis and key to proper metabolism)?? Is there anything we can do as parents to get better vitamins out there for our kids? Would love any suggestions you have on this.
Again thanks for the info.
PS not only is D good at reducing heart disease, cancer but also autoimmune diseases ie MS.
Multiple studies, including NIH government studies, show that low vitamin D puts you at a greater risk for MS.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed...
By EPagain October 28, 2008 3:57pm
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My son has a mishaping head. I always get sick when I drink milk or have anytype of food that is made with Milk (yogurt, ice cream, chocolate, etc). So, when I was pregnant I forced myself to drink it but, it always went right through me. Do you think that is why his head was disformed?
By alsmom October 28, 2008 11:58am
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Just curious do you know how much Vitamin D you should supplement if you are on a PPI.
Thanks
By beans58 October 28, 2008 11:30am
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I would also like to add that Vitamin D Deficiency is not just about women or children, many men suffer from this condition as well, and it's an epidimic (well almost). A lot of people are suffering needlessly with some very serious side effects due to "lack of Vitamin D"; including but not limited to: depression, headaches, chronic pain and fatigue. You can also see that the "Professionals" on vitamin D at the Vitamin D Council are recommending large doses of Vitamin D at: www.vitamindcouncil.org, and they are recommending much higher doses than the government guidelines, and for people like me who are deficient in Vitamin D (mine is 24) and I recently began taking 5000 units of Vitamin D daily to get the levels back up, you need to take higher then normal doses of vitamin D when you are deficient, and 800 or 1000 a day just isn't going to cut it. The word needs to get out there, like NOW! Also a good website to hear from normal everyday people like me, I am a military wife, and a stay at home 36 year old mother of two young children, go to this website and read what others are saying about their symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency: http://www.fightingfatigue.org/?p=...
Thanks and I just love this website here at daily strength, it's the best.
Mia
By Iluvmybabies October 28, 2008 11:25am
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Thanks Dr. Jeremy. I have 1 year old grandson. I'll make sure my daughter is aware.
By virgila October 28, 2008 3:25am