Vitamin D

What is it?

Cholecalciferol is one of the two major forms of vitamin D. It is what your body naturally produces when your skin is exposed to sunlight. We choose cholecalciferol (D3) over ergocalciferol (D2) since this is the form naturally produced by the body, whereas ergocalciferol is the form synthesized by plants.

Why is it important?

Vitamin D is not actually a vitamin, but rather it is a hormone that influences almost every human cell. Vitamin D helps regulate and enables the absorption of calcium and phosphorus by the body.* 

Vitamin D is critical for bone growth, teeth development and bone repair. Given how accident prone children tend to be, research indicates supplements can reduce the number of non-spinal fractures during childhood development. It also supports cell growth, neuromuscular function and the immune system.*

What myths are there?

 

What’s the risk of deficiency?

Breastfed infants are susceptible to vitamin D deficiency. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that exclusively and partially breastfed infants receive supplements of vitamin D until they are weaned to fortified formula or fortified milk.

60% of children have suboptimal levels of vitamin D. This is mainly attributed to the change in kids lifestyle including reduced outdoor activities and increased air pollution.  

Populations living in northern climates such as the Pacific Northwest of the United States also have a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency given the limited sunlight, particularly during winter months.

How much is recommended?

The FDA currently recommended daily intake (RDI) for Vitamin D is 400 IU for children of all ages.  

The Food and Nutrition Board at the US Institute of Medicine current recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin D is as follows:

• 0-12 months: 400 IU (adequate intake)
• 1-13 years: 600 IU
• 14-18 years: 600 IU
• 19-70 years: 600 IU
• 70+ years: 800 IU

Adequate Intake is used when evidence is insufficient to develop an RDA; intake at this level is assumed to ensure nutritional adequacy.

What foods are rich sources?

The best source of vitamin D is sunlight. Our bodies naturally produce vitamin D when ultraviolet rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis.

Very few foods contain vitamin D; it is highest in animal products. That said, many processed foods are fortified with vitamin D given its high risk of deficiency and importance in childhood development.

• 3 oz salmon (cooked): 447 IU
• 3 oz tuna (canned): 154 IU
• 3 oz beef liver (cooked): 42 IU
• 1 egg (cooked): 41 IU

What’s the risk of getting too much?

It is extremely difficult to intake enough vitamin D from food to cause toxicity. In addition, excessive sun exposure does not result in vitamin D toxicity.

Usually, toxicity occurs from high intakes of dietary supplements above 20x the recommended daily intake (RDI). Symptoms may include anorexia, weight loss, polyuria and heart arrhythmia.

We recommend you seek the advice of your pediatrician or primary medical care provider before making changes to your child’s nutrient intake.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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