3 Ways to Make Sure Kids Get Their Vitamin D
Reader Comments
Why not address vitamin D deficiency in the mother?
Every time the issue comes up about breastfed kids not getting enough vitamin D, the answer is to supplement the babies. Why does no one address the fundamental issue, which is vitamin D deficiency in the mothers? Presumably there are health benefits to both the mother AND the baby if the mother is getting enough vitamin D. (Would simply having breastfeeding mothers stay on prenatal vitamins while breastfeeding do the trick?)
Need for Vitamin D
I did not see any comments regarding the need to get Vit. D from
sunshine. This is very important and sunshine is free. It is also very, very beneficial if there is not over exposure to sun.
One book that addresses benefits (including cancer prevention)of sun and the V D received from proper sun exposure is discussed in the book "Proof Positive" by Dr. Neil Nedley, published 1998, Library of Congress Card Catalog #97-92826. Dr. Nedley has lectured throughout the US and many foreign countries.
Please check this book out!! There are many other health subjects discussed that been a great benefit to many people,
AND he lists scientific research to back up his recommendations.
Nancy responds: why you can't always rely on the sun
Dacia, you are so right with your concern about not wanting to discourage women from breastfeeding. But the problem is that sunshine often doesn't give babies the Vitamin D they need. In fall, winter, and spring the sun is too weak to help the skin make Vitamin D if you live in the northern United States, no matter how long you are outside. The vitamins give a little insurance. I'm not big on supplements of any kind, and agree that financial ties between researchers and companies that sell the stuff. But in this case I think there's very little risk and a lot of health benefit for babies.
Nancy
Sunshine before supplements
Getting Vitamin D from its most natural source, the sun, is enough for most babies. Just 15 minutes a day a few times a week is enough. I have a 100% breastfed child who is fair skinned; we live in Texas and she gets plenty of Vitamin D just from being outside on occasion.
I feel it's irresponsible to recommend anything that might make a woman choose formula over breastfeeding.
An AP article on this topic gives a much more balanced view, including this nugget, which I feel should be included in every article on the subject:
"Several members of an academy committee that helped write the guidelines have current or former ties to makers of infant formula or vitamin supplements."
Full article here:
http://health.yahoo.com/news/ap/med_vitamin_d_kids.html;_ylt=AvUUJrlSgoC2dD_PJMfxm2Kz5xcB
Don't forget real milk
Cod Liver Oil, especially with it's own natural vitamins A and D, YES! It is to be preferred over the overly "cleaned and deodorized" brands "fortified" with synthetic vitamins after being stripped of its own natural vitamins.
Equally important is MILK - I mean real milk, which today, unfortunately, must be referred to as "raw milk". The fat soluble vitamins A and D are in the fat! (duh...) Factory milk (from CAFO's) has some of the fat skimmed off, probably to be used for more money-making products like sour cream and ice cream.
Support your local small dairy and drink milk - the way it comes out of the cow! It's an investment in your health. You have a choice: Pay a little more now and see your children develop correctly and see yourself healthy in old age, or pay later for the doctor's bills for your diabetes, alzheimers, heart disease and cancer, and your childrens' crowded teeth, asthma and autism.
You'll find more good information on nourishing traditional diets from the Weston A Price Foundation.
Be well!
