Children and teenagers need more vitamin D, according to new guidelines Published Oct. 28, 2008 By Lt. Col. Karen E. Hawkins DeCA dietitian FORT LEE, Va. -- Drinking milk is a good way for children to get some of the vitamin D they need, especially now that the recommended daily amount has increased, according to the nation's leading pediatrician group. The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that children get 400 international units of vitamin D daily, instead of the old recommendation of 200 IUs, to ward off rickets and prevent a deficiency. Recent studies have suggested that vitamin D helps the immune system work well, and may help protect against diabetes, cancer and infections. Milk not only provides calcium, it also provides 100 international units of vitamin D, which makes it an excellent source of the vitamin. However, children would need to drink about four cups of milk every day - too much for most to drink - to get the amount they need. To help ensure children are getting enough vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, the Academy of Pediatrics also recommends that children take supplements. There are liquid and chewable supplements for infants and children. Supplement recommendations · Breast-fed infants need 400 IUs of vitamin D supplement because breast milk does not contain enough vitamin D. A supplement needs to be started in the first few days of life. · Formula-fed infants who drink at least 1 liter of formula per day are getting enough vitamin D. All infant formula in the United States is fortified with vitamin D. · Children and teenagers who do not get 400 IUs of vitamin D through vitamin D-fortified milk or vitamin D-fortified foods need 400 IUs of a vitamin D supplement. Some other foods are good sources of vitamin D such as salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines. Soy milk may also contain vitamin D, but read the label to make sure. And remember: Buying supplements at the commissary can save you money while providing vitamin D if recommended by a doctor. For more information about making healthy choices, go to http://www.commissaries.com, post your questions on the DeCA Dietitian Forum and be sure to look for other useful information in the Dietitian's Voice archive.