SCIENCE IN THE NEWS DAILY

Doubling of Kids' Vitamin D Intake Urged

from the Chicago Tribune (Registration Required)

(Associated Press)—The nation's leading pediatricians group says children—from newborns to teens—should get double the usually recommended amount of vitamin D because of evidence that it may help prevent serious diseases.

To meet the new recommendation of 400 units daily, millions of children will need to take daily vitamin D supplements, the American Academy of Pediatrics said. That includes breast-fed infants—even those who get some formula, too, and many teens who drink little or no milk.

Baby formula contains vitamin D, so infants on formula only generally don't need supplements. However, the academy recommends breast-feeding for at least the first year of life, and breast milk is sometimes deficient.