Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D is essential in maintaining normal serum calcium and promotion of bone mineralization. We recommend a serum 25 (OH) Vitamin D level of 75-100 nmol/l
Serum levels of 25 (OH) D above 75 nmol/l are rarely achieved through the diet alone. Supplementation is required during the winter months and in summer if sunscreen is used
Who is at Risk
Neonates
Exclusively breast fed infants who are not receiving a Vitamin D supplement
Children and Adolescents in the summer
Those who use sunscreen
Those who do not use sunscreen but spend less than 10-15 minutes a day in direct sunlight.
Note; Sunscreen with a block of 8 or above, blocks all vitamin D production through the skin
Children and Adolescents in winter
All children and adolescents not taking supplementation.
Children with chronic diseases
Children with a chronic condition resulting in fat malabsorption i.e. cystic fibrosis, celiac disease and biliary atresia.
Dietary Reference Intake (DRI)
Age | Sex | Elemental Calcium | Vitamin D |
|---|---|---|---|
1-3 years | Both | 500mg | 800 IU |
4-8 years | Both | 800mg | 800 IU |
9-13 years | Both | 1300mg* | 800 IU |
14-16 years | Both | 1300mg* | 800 IU |
17-18 years | Both | 1200mg | 800 IU |
Young adult | Both | 1000mg | 800 IU |
* Osteoporosis Society of Canada: 1200 - 1400 mg
Note:
Patients often have a combined deficiency of both vitamin D and calcium
The vitamin D dose may have to be adjusted so as to obtain a serum 25 (OH) vitamin D level between 75-100 nmol/l