Has your pediatrician discussed vitamin D deficiency with you?

According to an October report in Pediatric Pharmacotherapy, new recommendations for addressing vitamin D deficiency in children is crucial for pediatricians to discuss with parents.

Not only do 25(OH)D levels need to be maintained within a normal reference range, but daily supplementation is required.

• 400IU vitamin D3 is required immediately after birth for all breastfed infants and for formula-fed infants that do not consume at least 1 liter of vitamin D-fortified milk each day.
  
• Premature infants, dark-skinned infants, and children who live in higher latitudes (cold weather climates), should supplement with 800IU daily.
  
  
• Children who have low 25(OH)D levels (out of reference range) need to supplement with the following:
  
  Less than one month old = 1000IU
  1-12 months old = 1,000IU to 5,000IU
  More than 12 months old = more than 5,000IU

Bonnie - please get the word out!