Contents
D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. These nutrients are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. Government advice is that everyone should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement during the autumn and winter.
People at high risk of not getting enough vitamin D, all children aged 1 to 4, and all babies (unless they’re having more than 500ml of infant formula a day) should take a daily supplement throughout the year. Information: There have been some reports about vitamin D reducing the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Benefits
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Despite its name, vitamin D is not a vitamin, but a prohormone, or precursor of a hormone. Vitamins are nutrients that the body cannot create, and so a person must consume them in the diet. However, the body can produce vitamin D. In this article, we look at the benefits of vitamin D, what happens to the body when people do not get enough, and how to boost vitamin D intake.
Deficiency
Although the body can create vitamin D, a deficiency can occur for many reasons. Geographical location: People who live in northern latitudes or areas of high pollution, work night shifts, or are homebound should aim to consume vitamin D from food sources whenever possible. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that all breastfed infants receive 400 international units (IU) per day of oral vitamin D. Supplement drops for babies are available online.
Dosage People can measure vitamin D intake in micrograms (mcg) or international units (IU). The recommended daily intakes of vitamin D are as follows: Infants 0–12 months: 400 IU (10 mcg). 400 IU (10 mcg).
Children 1–18 years: 600 IU (15 mcg). 600 IU (15 mcg). Adults over 70 years: 800 IU (20 mcg).
800 IU (20 mcg). Pregnant or lactating women: 600 IU (15 mcg).
Associated Data
Supplementary Materials Table 1.