Vitamin D: Take More Says American Academy of Pediatrics
This week, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) came out with a new study which recommended doubling current dosage levels for infants, children and adolescents.
The new dosage amounts to 400 IU a day of vitamin D from 200 IU a day.
As reported by The Seattle PI, the increased dosage of Vitamin D will “help prevent cancer, heart disease, multiple sclerosis and other diseases.” And, even this dosage may be low.
Children aren’t the only ones who can benefit from Vitamin D. According to the study, adults above the age of 51 should take the 400 IU each day -and if you’re above 71, 600 IU is recommended per day.
U.S. News raises an interesting question regarding breastfeeding moms as to whether or not they can pass the 400 units suggested to their babies. Frank Greer, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin who also works for the American Academy of Pediatrics on Vitamin D, said that it would require moms to take 4,000 IU per day and might end up causing kidney stones in the mother. Safe levels for breastfeeding mothers still need to be determined. Moreover, 400 IU is suggested for pregnant women according to Greer.
Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, may also help with diabetes. According to a study by Weill Cornell Medical College Qatar, a deficiency in Vitamin D may be linked to Type 1 diabetes in children.
