05.03.10
Most infants in the U.S. aren’t getting the 400 IU of vitamin D recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, according to a report published in Pediatrics in March. Researchers found that among infants who were exclusively breastfed, only 5-13%, depending on age, were getting enough vitamin D. For infants who were breastfed but also received formula, 28-35% were getting 200 IU of vitamin D a day, but only 9-14% were getting 400 IU a day. For infants fed exclusively with formula, 81-98% were getting 200 IU a day, but only 20-37% were getting the recommended 400 IU.
In other vitamin D news, according to a new study sponsored by the Vitamin D Society, Canada’s death rate could fall by as much as 16%, if Canadians increased their daily vitamin D intake to intended levels. In dollars saved, increased vitamin D blood levels would reduce the economic burden on Canada’s healthcare system by about $14 billion, or more than 7%, according to the study, titled “An Estimate of the Economic Burden and Premature Deaths Due to Vitamin D Deficiency in Canada.” Of Canadians aged six to 79, only 10% are at or above the optimal vitamin D level, with more than 5% being severely deficient.
In other vitamin D news, according to a new study sponsored by the Vitamin D Society, Canada’s death rate could fall by as much as 16%, if Canadians increased their daily vitamin D intake to intended levels. In dollars saved, increased vitamin D blood levels would reduce the economic burden on Canada’s healthcare system by about $14 billion, or more than 7%, according to the study, titled “An Estimate of the Economic Burden and Premature Deaths Due to Vitamin D Deficiency in Canada.” Of Canadians aged six to 79, only 10% are at or above the optimal vitamin D level, with more than 5% being severely deficient.