Keep taking the vitamin D tablets | Letters

Calls to abolish the government’s recommendation for a daily dose of vitamin D pose a serious risk to child health

As child health experts we are concerned that, if misunderstood, calls from researchers to abolish the government’s recommendation for a daily dose of vitamin D pose a serious risk to child health (Report, 5 October).

The study published in The Lancet and reported by The Guardian involved a large-scale review of studies with vitamin D supplementation conducted in adults. The findings cannot be applied to infants and children, though this was not emphasised in the report. It is important that parents understand this and continue to follow advice regarding vitamin D supplementation for their infants and children. Vitamin D is important in the development of healthy, strong bones and to prevent rickets. All infants should receive a daily dose of 8.5mcg-10mcg from birth until one year unless they are consuming over 500ml of formula milk a day. Children aged between one and four should receive 10mcg of vitamin D supplementation and those over this age should consider taking the same dose, particularly through the winter months.
Dr Max Davie Officer for health promotion, The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
Professor Mary Fewtrell Assistant officer for health promotion, The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health

Continue reading...

from Children | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2IIMCfL