The Sunshine Vitamin

A new study done by researchers at Children's Hospital Boston finds that s many as 12 percent of infants and toddlers are deficient in Vitamin D and a whopping 40% have below-optimal levels.  The researchers studied 380 children ranging in age from 8 months to two years.  (Interestingly this study was triggered by a previous one done by the same researchers in 2004 which found that 42 percent of adolescents were vitamin D deficient.  That led them to wonder if the deficiency stemmed from early childhood).

Why is that significant?  Because doctors say Vitamin D is critical for bone growth, calcium absorption in the intestine and it helps regulate the body's immune system.  We all want the best for our babies (and let's face it, they are our babies no matter what their ages! ), but if, as the recent study suggests, vitamin D deficiency can be present at such young ages, there are some proactive measures we can take.

It's apparently an easy problem to fix.  According to the experts quoted in  everything I've read on subject, mother's milk doesn't have enough vitamin D in it.  If you're committed to breastfeeding there are liquid vitamin D supplements that you can, and doctors seem to agree you should, give you child.  If you're formula-feeding your baby, you're all set.  Formula is fortified with the right amount of vitamin D.

For toddlers there are several foods that are often fortified with it, such as milk, breads and cereals.  And for the best source of vitamin D look no father than outside.  That's right, exposure to sun.  Experts say 30 minutes a day should do the trick.

But as with anything, too much of a good thing is not good.  So check with your pediatrician to find out what level of vitamin D is right for your child.

And, if you're interested in reading more about the study, it's published in this month's issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.