Double your Vitamin D

From ABC: The American Academy of Pediatrics is doubling its recommended amount of vitamin D for infants, children, and adolescents. The move comes amid increasing concern that kids aren't getting enough vitamin D to keep their bones healthy, but doctors say boosting vitamin D could also help fight off serious diseases such as diabetes and cancer.

American children aren't getting enough vitamin D to ensure healthy bone strength, according to doctors at the American Academy of Pediatrics. As a result, the organization is DOUBLING the D for infants and children of all ages - from 200 international units to 400 international units per day.

Experts are concerned by reports of American children suffering from Rickets - a bone softening disease that is easily prevented with adequate vitamin D. But getting enough vitamin D is difficult to do through diet alone, as the nutrient is not found naturally in very many foods.

Many doctors now advise spending 10 to 15 minutes per day in the sun to trigger vitamin D production in the skin. Drinking fortified milk also helps, but the new recommendations say infants and children will likely need supplements to get the full amount.

Increasing levels of vitamin D may have health benefits beyond strengthening bones. Research has also linked low vitamin D levels in adults to greater risk for cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

I go back and forth on multi-vitamins for my kids. If I am going to start spending the money on vitamin D, maybe I should get a multi-vitamin. Then again, if they don't need the other vitamins, maybe not. But will those little Flintstones vitamins harm them? I doubt it. So right now I am thinking about picking up some multi-vitamins that contain an adequate amount of vitamin D. Do you give your kids vitamin D supplements?

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

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