Vitamin D is taking center stage these days. It is important in bone health and calcium balance, preventing a bone-softening disease called rickets. Vitamin D also plays a role in optimal immune and neuromuscular function, anti-inflammatory effects, as well as the prevention of multiple sclerosis and certain cancers, including breast and colon cancer. Click here for details.Unfortunately, our main source of Vitamin D - the sun - is not as accessible now that the days are short and we're bundled up for the winter. There are only a few food sources of Vitamin D, such as fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel), fortified milk and fortified orange juice. Recent studies have shown that over half of kids have insufficient levels of Vitamin D. Click here for more. Last year, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) increased the recommended daily intake of Vitamin D from 200 to 400 units per day for infants, children, and adolescents. If you relied on milk alone for Vitamin D, you would have to drink 4 cups of milk a day. During the cold months, an efficient way to obtain Vitamin D is via a Vitamin D supplement, which is available in combination or alone. In addition, don't forget to get outside regularly! Even a little winter sunshine warming our faces will be better than none.
Arlene Dijamco, MD FAAP
General & Integrative Pediatrics
