While I was posting my blog about NUT MILKS (found here)… I started thinking more about VITAMIN D…and are my kids getting enough?
I found a recent study that was conducted across the U.S.- it revealed that 7 out of 10 children have dangerously low levels of vitamin D leaving them at risk of heart disease, and weak bones as adults.
Another study I found showed that vitamin D sufficiency is important for preventing type 2 diabetes, cognitive decline, asthma, and cardiovascular disease. (for info on these studies- check this out)
A sufficient amount of vitamin D is difficult to obtain from dietary sources. It is possible to obtain vitamin D from direct sun exposure—without sunscreen (sunscreens block UV-B rays they in turn prevent the body from converting vitamin D).
However, some researchers state that the amount of sunshine necessary to assure sufficient vitamin D exposure is potentially harmful. ALSO- KIDS often spend too much time indoors watching television, playing video games, or on the computer…
SO to ensure that my children are getting enough VITAMIN D I have started giving them a supplement.
I have been taking a VITAMIN D supplement for a years now- and what’s awesome is my children can take the same one as me.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated their guidelines in 2008 for vitamin D intake in infants, children, and teens. Their latest guidelines increased the recommended minimum daily intake from 200 IUs to 400 IUs per day of vitamin D for all infants, children, and adolescents beginning in the first few days of life.
The supplement I use is Dr. Fuhrman’s Osteo-Sun. You can find it here.
This is what Dr. Fuhrman recommends:
Children 0 to 6 months:
•Liquid vitamin D supplement for infant, with 4-6 capsules of Osteo-Sun daily for pregnant or breastfeeding mother as well
Children 6 to 24 months:
•1 capsule of Osteo-Sun opened and mixed in formula or food
Children 24 months to 6 years:
•2 capsules of Osteo-Sun opened and mixed in food or drink
6 years and up:
•3 capsules of Osteo-Sun opened and mixed in food or taken by mouth
Thanks for reading!
LIFE IS GOOD!
Source: WFM 1-10