Gray skies and your child’s vitamin D needs
- 3 days ago
- 1 min read
Vitamin D is essential for building strong teeth and bones, as well as lowering the risk of autoimmune disease, mental health issues, gut problems, cardiac disease and even diabetes.
The body makes vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight, specifically ultraviolet B wavelengths. Unfortunately, UVB exposure is also what causes sunburns and increases our risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen helps protect from these harms, but also blocks vitamin D production. Additionally, Oregon’s northern latitude and overcast winter skies limit the amount of sunlight available many months of the year.
Vitamin D naturally occurs in some foods, and it is added to many milks, some orange juices and infant formula. However, one needs to consume at least 32 ounces (4 cups or about 1 L) of these drinks each day to get a full dose of vitamin D.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants start supplemental vitamin D soon after birth at a dose of 400 IU per day. This is especially important for breastfed infants and infants consuming less than 32 ounces per day of formula. A dose of 600 IU daily is recommended for children over 1 year of age as well as adolescents.
Dr. Amy Kinkel
521-229-5846
4730 Village Plaza Loop #100
Eugene, OR 97401
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