the american academy of pediatrics has increased the recommended amount of vitamin d that children should get each day. whereas 200 iu (international units) was recommended until 2008 since then they now recommend 400 iu per day for children who are breast fed or who consume less than one quart (or liter) of milk or formula each day. in the past it was assumed that all bottle-fed infants were getting enough vitamin d in their formula but that is not the case for younger infants who likely do not consume 32 ounces of formula daily. it is also worth noting that although most children's vitamins do have the recommended 400 iu's many of the "gummy" type vitamins have half the recommended amount per serving. i encourage all parents to make sure that their child is getting enough vitamin d since low levels are now associated with a range of health concerns beyond poor bone development. parents should confer with their pediatrician if they are uncertain about their child's vitamin d status or need for supplements. lastly as for dietary sources of vitamin d milk and some yogurts have vitamin d added to them but cheese typically does not. some fruit juices and breakfast cereals are also reasonable sources for additional vitamin d. some fish is high in vitamin d but kids typically do not eat much tuna salmon or mackerel. since kids are outdoors less and are more frequently wearing sunscreen there are higher rates for vitamin d deficiency -- especially in children with darker skin.
how can my child get enough vitamin d?