Vit.D Suppliments

My pediatrician recommended Enfamil's Poly-vi-Sol. It's liquid, with it's own dropper. You can put it in food or in milk or whatever. It's 100% daily value for infants and children 4 and under. Breastfed babies especially lack Vitamin D. She also recommended the sun, but I stick with the vitamins too. It's about $8 per bottle at Walmart, and most boxes (if not all) have a $2 coupon inside.

I know a wonderful supplement that is Isotonic. That means that kids can drink it and it is absorbed in 5 minutes into their bodies so that they get the benefit without having to loose nutrients in digestion. It also has probiotics in it. It's called "Might-a-Mins". The same company has awesome children's vitamins for kids on the autism spectrum that help with digestion or consentration. Which ever the children need. Let me know if you have questions or you can find them at www.marketamerica.com/thevoiceoftruth.

S.

Even just 20 minutes of sun per week on just exposed face and arms is the best source of vitamin D. It is good for you to get vitamin D too... go for a walk with the stroller and enjoy some sun too.

Be careful supplimenting with Vitamin D. I am currently taking it because of medications that I am on are causing other problems and the lack of Vitamin D was confirmed with a blood test. Vitamin D is created by spending time out in the sun also. My doctor has been very careful with how much I take and expressed how important it is not to over do, vitamin D helps with calcium absortion. Before adding anything other than a general multi vitamin please check with your doctor to make sure you or your children need it. With some vitamins too much can actually cause damage.

Good luck
Chelle E.

A little bit of sunshine goes a LONG way!

Unfortunately, you are hearing only part of the story with regards to vitamin D. Geting good nutrition in the body is great prevention and being health.

Yes, it is good to get our children outside and reap the benefits of the sun. A good diet, fresh fruits and vegetables, and pure supplements. One mom recommended a mutli-vitamin. That is good. We can't get everything from our food supply.

When deciding which multi-vitamins are good? Well for an 11 month old, it would need to be a chewable vitamin. Make sure there isn't any processed or artificial sugars.

The one I used for my children has Xylitol, which is derived from fruit and veggies and is actually good for their teeth.

M. Potrykus
Mama Bear Productions

The best source of vitamin D is natural sunlight!!!

They need to be out in the sun. It doesn't take more than 15 min in the sun (for caucasion babies) to get the vit D they need for the day.

Parents are afraid of exposing their baby to the sun, but they need it!

Did you know that sunburn is Vit. D overdose.Your body only needs a certain amount a day and too much will burn your skin or change its pigmentation.

Just a few minutes in the sun each day (about how much your child would get going to and from the car a couple times) is usually enough Vit. D, believe it or not! The problem is that as parents we're freaked out by the sun so we slather our kids in sunscreen every time they go out (which is not a bad thing), hence they're not absorbing Vitamin D from sun exposure.

HI Jody,
The only vitamin supplements that I would recommend are made by Shaklee. Kids love the Ocean Wonders chewables or the infant powder supplement. They are the purest, natural, no artificial anything and guaranteed to work or your money back. Almost all other commercial brands have fillers and artificial sweeteners or sugar. If you don't know a Shaklee representative, check out my Mamasource business "M. Goes Green". Going out in the sun is also a good idea,just don't overdo it. Hope this helps.
M.

gnc has vit d chew ie my kids love them i use them when i was pg and my kids eat them now as there once a day candy

Hi Jody, I was grateful when I heard that broadcast. A year ago the Canadian equivilant to our Surgeon General said they now realize that they have increased illness because of the heavy push to stay out of the sun and use sunblock! There are now studies that show a strong co-relation between low blood levels of D and breast cancer!

Yes, getting out into the sun for 20 minutes a day does get us a good dose of D. I don't know about you but that's pretty challenging in Mi in the winter.

I do have a brand I recommend because of their absolute commitment to purity from pesticides, toxic metals and such. Have you ever heard of Shaklee? The Ocean Wonders Childrens Chewable or Infant powder and the Chewable Calcium Magnesium would give your little girl the new recommended amount of D. And there is no lead in them.
I have a list from the FDA that shows several supplements for children have lead! Wow.

May I get you more information on the children's supplements?
Have a great day playing with your little one!
M.

Jody
The best source of Vitamin D that our bodies are able to utilize the best is what it makes when it is exposed to the sunlight. The reason that there are many reports of Vit D deficencies in children, is becasue partents are using too much sunscreen. if you block the sunlight constanly, the body is not able to prodce Vit D.
If you a worried about your daughter not having enough Vit D, let her outside for a couple minutes everyday without covering her up from head to toe with clothing or sunscreen. You should try this too, it is a great anti-depressor as well as a mood lifter.

Yours in Health and Wellness
Dr. B.

Dear Jody,
I highly reccomand the complex vitamins a freind of mine is selling me. It is called Migh-a-min and has many vitamins in it, including vitamind as well as probiotics. Please read this and if you are interested, please get back with me and I will put you in touch with her.
MIGHT-A-MIN
Primary Benefits:

Supports optimal immune functions
Supports skeletal health and growth
Supports healthy teeth and gums
Supports growth and strength of teeth and bones
Supports healthy growth and development
Supports cognitive health and development
Supports healthy vision and eyes
Supports a healthy intestinal tract
Promotes normal digestion
Supports a healthy heart
Helps maintain normal blood sugar levels
Provides antioxidant protection

Key Ingredients:

Vitamin A (Beta-Carotene)

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that promotes normal growth and repair of all body tissues. It is part of a group of compounds that include retinol, retinal and beta-carotene. Beta-carotene, also known as pro-vitamin A, is transformed by the body into Vitamin A. It supports skin health (both topically and as an oral supplement), promotes healthy vision, reproduction, and brain development, and promotes normal bone formation. Vitamin A can be found in foods like organ meats (liver and kidney), egg yolks, butter, milk and cod liver oil.

Vitamin B-Complex (Vitamins B1, 2, 3, 6, 5, 8, 12 and Biotin)

The potent combination of Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, biotin and folic acid makes up the Vitamin B-complex. Most B-vitamins play a critical role as cofactors, or nutrients that assist in chemical reactions, in cellular-energy metabolism. Lack of B-vitamins can cause occasional fatigue, which is why Vitamin B blends are often promoted as energy boosters.

Vitamin B1 functions in carbohydrate metabolism, where it supports the normal conversion of pyruvate to acetyl CoA for entry to the Krebs cycle and subsequent steps to generate ATP. Vitamin B1 also helps maintain nervous system and heart muscle health. Vitamin B2 serves as a co-enzyme, working with other B-vitamins. It supports healthy red blood cell formation and supports the conversion of food into energy as a part of the electron transport chain, which drives cellular energy on the micro-level. Vitamin B3 supports many aspects of energy metabolism and nervous system function. Vitamin B5 promotes many biological reactions, including the production of energy, the catabolism of fatty acids and amino acids, the synthesis of fatty acids, phospholipids, sphingolipids, cholesterol and steroid hormones, and the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Vitamin B-6 is a cofactor that supports normal protein and amino acid metabolism and it helps maintain proper fluid balance. It also assists in the maintenance of healthy red and white blood cells. It has been recommended as a nutrient to enhance mental function, specifically mood, and it supports nerve conduction. Vitamin B12 is responsible for maintaining optimum energy levels as it supports the Krebs energy cycle. Biotin supports the normal metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Biotin also functions as a critical component of several enzymes involved in energy metabolism. Folic Acid boosts the benefits of B12 supplementation, because they work together in maintaining normal red blood cells. Folic acid supports the normal utilization of amino acids and proteins as well as the construction of the material for DNA and RNA synthesis.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient for humans, and is needed for metabolic reactions in the body. Foods such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit, strawberries, tomatoes, brussel sprouts, peppers and cantaloupes, are good sources of Vitamin C.

Vitamin C is known for its function as one of the key nutritional antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals. Vitamin C promotes the strength of cells and is an essential cofactor for the enzymes involved in the synthesis of collagen. Vitamin C is more commonly known for its roles in immune support, healing, protecting against the effects of stress and promoting iron absorption. The antioxidant function of Vitamin C is performed within the aqueous compartments of the blood and inside cells. Studies have shown that Vitamin C protects plasma lipids from oxidation and also protects DNA and protein from various oxidative processes.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is different from all other vitamins in human nutrition, because Vitamin D is the only vitamin that is conditional. Vitamin D3 is synthesized in the skin via photochemical reactions using ultraviolet B radiation from sunlight. Vitamin D3 is the principal regulator of calcium homeostasis in the body, which is particularly important in skeletal development and bone mineralization. It is also a prohormone since it has no hormone activity itself, but it is converted to a molecule, which does.

There are very few foods that are natural sources of Vitamin D3. The foods that do contain the vitamin include fatty fish, fish liver oils, and eggs from hens that have been fed Vitamin D. Almost all Vitamin D intake from foods comes from fortified milk products and other foods that have been fortified with Vitamin D, like breakfast cereals. Vitamin D deficiency is distinguished by inadequate mineralization or demineralization of the skeleton. This can lead to osteoporosis.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is one of the most powerful fat-soluble antioxidants in the body, and it helps protect cell membranes from free radicals. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that is supports the immune system and topical healing. Vitamin E also helps support a healthy heart. The most valuable sources of dietary Vitamin E include vegetable oils, margarine, nuts, seeds, avocados and wheat germ. Safflower oil contains large amount of Vitamin E and corn and soybean oil contain smaller amounts.

Vitamin E is actually a family of related compounds called tocopherols and tocotrienols. Vitamin E is available in a natural or synthetic form. With Vitamin E, the natural form is far more in terms of absorption and retention in the body. The natural form of alpha-tocopherol is known as d-alpha tocopherol, which is what we use in our Isotonix Might-A-Mins.

Calcium

The most plentiful mineral in the human body is calcium. Only about one percent of the calcium in the body is found in the blood and within cells, which helps support different metabolic processes. It is important to maintain this one percent, because otherwise the body will draw the calcium that is stored in the bones to keep blood and cellular calcium levels within the proper range. The bones constantly release calcium along with other minerals into the circulation, where calcium may play a role in easing mild symptoms of PMS, maintaining normal blood pressure and promoting strong bones.

The most calcium-dense foods are milk products. Other dietary sources of calcium are vegetables such as broccoli, bok choy, kale, collard greens, mustard greens, tofu and sardines with bones. Calcium is cheap, easily available and well tolerated as a supplement. Most people do not consume enough calcium in their diets on a daily basis, so calcium is a highly recommended nutrient supplement.

Chromium

Chromium is a vital trace mineral that forms part of a compound in the body known as glucose tolerance factor (GTF), which is involved in supporting healthy insulin levels and maintaining blood sugar levels and, possibly, in helping to control appetite. Chromium also promotes normal glucose metabolism and helps maintain healthy levels of cholesterol and other lipids in the blood. There are also claims that it supports weight loss and increases muscle mass. More than 90 percent of American diets do not provide the recommended amount of chromium.

Chromium is found in small amounts in many foods. Food sources of chromium include brewer’s yeast, whole-grain cereals, broccoli, prunes, mushrooms, beer, spices, brown sugar, coffee, tea, wine and meat products.

Copper

An essential trace mineral in human nutrition, copper, is important for a wide range of biochemical processes, which are necessary for the maintenance of good health. Copper promotes normal infant development, red and white blood cell maturation, iron transport, bone strength, cholesterol metabolism, myocardial contractility, glucose metabolism, brain development and immune function. Copper chaperones are proteins that protect the cells from copper toxicity and essentially keep the cells free of copper ions. Foods that include the richest sources of copper are nuts, seeds, legumes, the bran and germ portions of grains, liver, kidneys, shellfish, oysters and crustaceans. There are experimental indications that suggest that copper supplementation support immune function, for those with copper deficiency.

Iodine

Iodine, a trace mineral, is primarily concentrated in the thyroid gland. About 80 percent of the body’s iodine is found in the thyroid gland. Iodine promotes the normal function of thyroid hormones, which promote normal development and energy metabolism. A moderate deficiency in iodine decreases the production of the thyroid hormones. About 20 percent of the world is iodine deficient. Iodine deficiency can also affect brain health. Recent research has shown that those on vegetarian diets or salt-restricted diets may be at an increased risk of iodine deficiency.

Iodine also is present in the salivary glands, the gastric mucosa and in the lactating mammary gland. Along with iodized salt, fish and sea vegetables are rich sources of iodine. Iodine is also present in animal products such as eggs, milk, meat and poultry, often because most animal feeds are enriched with iodine in industrialized countries.

Magnesium

Magnesium, an essential mineral, functions as a coenzyme to promote normal nerve and muscle function, regulation of body temperature, energy metabolism, DNA and RNA synthesis, and the formation of bones. It can be used as a laxative, to promote head comfort, and to promote bone health. There is preliminary evidence that shows that magnesium may help with PMS symptoms and in maintaining normal blood sugar levels. The majority of the body’s magnesium, about 60 percent, is found in the bones. Magnesium is involved in over 300 metabolic reactions, and is necessary for every major biological process. It is an alkaline earth metal and exists under physiological conditions in its divalent state. Magnesium is intimately interlocked, biologically with calcium, and they cooperate in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The mineral has been called “nature’s physiological calcium channel blocker,” because it appears to support the normal regulation of the intracellular flow of calcium ions.

Nearly 75 percent of the American population fails to consume enough magnesium in their diets; therefore supplements may be warranted in some cases, particularly those concerned with bone metabolism. Dietary sources that include magnesium are artichokes, nuts, beans, whole grains and shellfish.

Manganese

Manganese, an essential trace mineral, is the preferred metal cofactor for glycosyltransferases, which are important in the synthesis of glycoproteins and glycosaminoglycans. Glycoproteins promote the normal synthesis of myelin and clotting factors. Manganese may have some efficacy in promoting bone health and aiding in the reduction of minor symptoms of PMS. The bran of whole grains, nuts, leafy vegetables and teas are the richest dietary sources of manganese.

Selenium

Selenium functions as an antioxidant enzyme and also promotes normal growth and use of iodine in thyroid function. It supports a healthy immune system. Selenium supports the antioxidant effect of vitamin E, promotes cardiovascular and skin health, supports male fertility and a healthy immune system. Selenium plays a direct role in the body’s ability to protect cells from free radicals. It promotes the defense against the toxicity of reactive oxygen species, regulation of the thyroid hormone metabolism and the regulation of the redox state of cells. Selenium also has the ability to detoxify some metals and xenobiotics.

The selenium content of the soil in which plants are grown determines the amount of selenium contained in the food. Good dietary sources of selenium include nuts, unrefined grains, brown rice, wheat germ and seafood.

Silicon

Silicon is a non-metallic element that is, next to oxygen, the most abundant element in the earth’s crust. It is found in plants, animals and most living organisms. Silicon, currently, is not considered a vital nutrient for humans. The dietary intake of silicon in the United States ranges from about 20 to 50 milligrams, daily. Foods that are rich in silicon are cereal products and unrefined grains of high fiber content.

Potassium (Bicarbonate)

Potassium, in the body, is classified as an electrolyte and is involved in electrical and cellular functions in the body. It promotes the regulation of water balance and levels of acidity, helps maintain blood pressure, and supports normal transmission of nerve impulses, digestion, muscle contraction and heartbeat.

Potassium can be found in foods, which help to maintain the body’s internal balance of fluids and chemicals. Some potassium-enriched foods are fruits, vegetables and legumes, which are all commonly recommended for optimal heart health.

Some symptoms of potassium deficiency include poor circulation, bluish tint to skin, head discomfort, sleeping problems, muscle weakness and water retention.

Zinc

Zinc, a trace mineral, functions as a part of 300 different enzymes in the human body. These enzymes promote normal nucleic acid and protein metabolism, the production of energy, as well as other things. It supports virtually all biochemical pathways and physiological processes. Zinc plays a structural role in the formation of zinc-fingers, which are exploited by transcription factors for interacting with DNA and regulating the activity of genes. The maintenance of the integrity of biological membranes resulting in their protection against oxidation is another structural role. Physiologically, zinc is essential for the support of growth and development, reproduction and sexual maturation, olfactory and gustatory activity, dark vision adaptation, insulin storage and release, and for a variety of immune defenses. Possibly its most popular claim is that is supports the immune system.

Zinc is found in almost all body tissues, but about 60 percent of the body’s zinc is stored in the muscles, and 30 percent in the bones. It has antioxidant activities. The antioxidant activity of zinc helps to protect membranes against oxidation by occupying sites that may otherwise contain redox active metals such as iron.

What Makes This Product Unique?

It is often difficult to make sure that your kids are maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet and receiving the proper amount of vitamins and minerals. It can be an even bigger challenge today due to children eating away from home, at school, friend’s houses and fast food restaurants. With Market America’s Isotonix® Might-A-Mins®, you can provide your children with the proper daily allowances of most vitamins and minerals that are best for them.*

Isotonix Might-A-Mins contains 12 vitamins and 10 essential minerals, along with phytonutrients from a proprietary blend of fruits and vegetables. With this formula your children can enjoy the benefits of fruits and vegetables daily, without them even knowing or complaining about them. Also added to the formula is a special blend of probiotics, which are good bacteria, essential for proper digestion. Iron has been eliminated from the Might-A-Mins formula due to its potential toxicity, especially for children under six, and also because kids usually get plenty of iron from the foods that they eat.*

Special care has been taken in selecting the proper nutritional ingredients. For example, the beta-carotene contains other naturally occurring carotenoids that include a healthy dose of lutein and zeaxanthin, which are both proven to support healthy vision and promote healthy eyes. The Vitamin E that is included in the formula, d-Alpha tocopheryl succinate, is naturally occurring, and found to be the best source of Vitamin E, when working in coordination with support nutrients.*

When taken as directed, whether your children are three or 10, this formula is a complete nutritional source. Isotonix Might-A-Mins with Phytonutrients is the perfect way to fill the nutritional gap that today’s lifestyles can create in our children from the types of foods they eat.*

Absorption and efficiency of nutritional supplements are also two important features to examine when selecting a nutritional supplement and Isotonix Might-A-Mins contains both. This supplement is in the form of an isotonic fluid, which ensures that the nutrients are efficiently absorbed. It is usually taken on an empty stomach and when the isotonic fluid enters the body, it is delivered to the small intestine, nutritionally concentrated. Then it is quickly absorbed into the blood stream maximizing the amount used by the body.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why are phytonutrients important?

Recent discoveries have shown that plant-based foods contain a variety of vital compounds in addition to vitamins and minerals that have the potential to support human health. Phytonutrients are plant extracts that have been found to play an important role in helping the body help itself. It has been established that phytonutrients reduce oxidation, counteract environmental pollutants and support a healthy heart. Research has also shown that they naturally help boost the immune system.

What types of phytonutrients are included in Isotonix Might-A-Mins®?

Isotonix Might-A-Mins includes a proprietary blend of phytonutrients which include extracts from apples, broccoli, carrots, cranberries, grapes, kiwi fruit, lemon, limes, oranges, peaches, pineapples, raspberries, spinach, strawberries and tomatoes.

What is the advantage to taking probiotics?

Isotonix Might-A-Mins contains lactobacillus sporogenes, which can help to re-colonize the intestinal tract with naturally occurring good bacteria, which supports good digestion, an ideal pH balance and ongoing colon health.*

Why is an Isotonix® formula better than a standard children’s multivitamin?

Isotonix formulas are more effective than standard children’s multivitamin formulas because they offer the best way to get the maximum delivery of vitamins and minerals into the bloodstream. Isotonix formulas are also the fastest and most effective way to receive multivitamins. The stomach has very little work to do because the pH and tonicity are carefully designed to allow the stomach to quickly release all the nutrients into the small intestine. With the Isotonix Might-A-Mins formula, this process takes about five minutes, where a standard vitamin tablet can take up to four hours.

Does Isotonix Might-A-Mins contain artificial ingredients?

Isotonix Might-A-Mins does not contain any artificial sweeteners, such as saccharin or aspartame. Like all other Isotonix products, there are also no artificial preservatives or colors.

Do kids like the taste of Isotonix Might-A-Mins?

Fructose and glucose are used in Isotonix Might-A-Mins, which are both naturally occurring sugars. The sugars are also blended with a delicious, natural Mandarin orange flavor. The vitamins come in a fun, fast and easy-to-prepare powder, which will make your kids look forward to taking their vitamins everyday.

Why do children need to take a multivitamin?

Everyone needs vitamins and minerals, because they help release energy from our food and help build muscle, bone, blood and other vital tissue. Children need vitamins and minerals to maintain good health and normal growth. It is important to ensure that children receive all the vitamins and minerals they need every day, especially during their growing years. The body does not store all essential vitamins and minerals, therefore some need to be supplied on a regular basis through the use of a multivitamin.

Is there a specific time of day that is recommended for taking a multivitamin?

In general, any time of day is fine for taking a multivitamin. However it is good practice to take it at the same time each day to develop a routine.

What are common vitamins and minerals that kids don’t get enough of through their diets?

Calcium, Zinc and Vitamins A, C and E, are some common vitamins and minerals that children generally don’t get enough of. Calcium is needed to form growing bones and a proper calcium intake beginning at childhood can help maintain normal bone mass later in life. Zinc is a vital nutrient for proper growth and development. Vitamins A, C and E are also important vitamins during childhood and throughout life

Thanks,
C.

I am a nurse anesthetist and also very interested in natural health. I have read professional journal article after article over the last year of the benefits of getting sufficient Vitamin D. Many, many of us are deficient. It would take a very large dose to become toxic (I think around 10,000 iu). Here is a link to a good article by WebMD.com with lots of important info. I hope this helps you to make an informed choice. One of the experts in the article recommends 1,000 iu/day for infants. Best wishes, S.

The single most effective way to get Vitamin D is to spend a few minutes outside. Your body will make so much more than you could ever take in a supplement, and it is free. Every "expert" I have ever heard talk about the topic has said this.

I can see where infants might not get enough Vit D because we tend to cover them up in the winter time. And if they are breastfed and don't get vitamin supplements, mom would have to be getting outside (very hard sometimes!), supplementing, or drinking lots of milk.

But as long as toddlers go outside and play (even in the winter!), they should get enough. Also, they should be drinking milk with vitamin D. If they take a multivitamin that is a bonus. My 2 year old takes one called Gummi-Vite that I think we got at WalMart. He loves them.

Keep in mind that the job of the media is to scare people. I remember hearing this on the news but don't remember if they included the fact that Vit D recommendations have recently been increased for all ages (it has amazing cancer-fighting properties - one reason why our great-grandparents didn't get cancer as much as we do today?). When they say toddlers aren't getting enough it could be in comparison to the new recommendations. Also, I think that toddlers in some day cares or preschools might not get outside much due to rigid weather restrictions, the difficulty of dressing everyone up, runny noses, the number of kids, etc. So those kids would lower the "average" Vit D levels in a research study.

I am not against day care - I am a full-time working mom whose son goes to day care 3 days a week and preschool 2 days a week. But I have noticed a big difference when switching to a different day care where the person in charge firmly believes in kids needing to go outside, and isn't afraid to go out there with them and be active. So now I am less likely to accept excuses for not taking groups of toddlers outside. It can be done.

Remember how our grandmas thought fresh air was "good for you"? You don't get colds from being outside in the cold; it actually gets you away from the germs that are cooped up inside. And quite possibly the Vitamin D you got from the sun is part of what kept you healthy.

I wouldn't worry about this too much, especially as time and money are probably tight with you being in school. Just do a basic multivitamin if she will eat them, give her milk, and try to take her outside.

It's called sunshine. :-D

Humans make our own Vit D when we are exposed to sunlight, making our own Vit D ensures that we are getting enough without the worry of poor absorbtion with liquid Vit D. AND it's FREE!

Talk to your pediatrician before giving anything to your baby. Suppliments can be dangerous and it is easy to over dose.

Hi Jody. I am a pharmacist and it is true that the American Pediatric Association recommends 200 units of vitamin D daily for breastfeed babies until they are weaned to formula or vitamin D fortified cow's milk. I recommend Tri-Vi-Sol (vitamins A,C & D). Sure, you could get vitamin D from the sun, but a little squirt of a dropper in the mouth assures you are giving enough and takes out the guess work (i.e. different skin types produce different amounts of of vitamin D, cloudy days would provide less than clear skies, etc). I don't think most mothers want to take their child outside for at least 15 minutes a day with their arms exposed all winter long . . . am I right?

Hi Jody.

During the summer months spending 20 unprotected minutes outside with no sleeves and shorts, will provide our kids with enough direct sunlight their bodies can produce what they need for viatmin D3. (that is 20 minutes PER day since our bodies deplete D3 daily)

However, we are into Fall and winter is soon to follow. This time of the year the angle of the Earth is such that we in Michigan are pointed away from the sun. That coupled with the fact we are not outside as much AND when we are, we are in long sleeves and pants does not provide our bodies with enough direct sunlight so they can produce the required amount of vitamin D3. So... it is during these months that often a supplement is recommended.

Unfortunately I do not have a recommendation for a brand. We lived in Germany for 2.5 years and just recently moved back. The supplement i used previously was one we purchased in Germany. I will however be looking for one here in the US. D3 is an important vitamin that kids typically do not get enough of. That is why milk is fortified with Vitamin D. Ensuring that our kids get enough calcium is important as well since calcium helps the body absorb D3.

Supplements are often necessary because it is often difficult to get our kids to eat a really balanced diet. I know my daughter goes through phases where all she will eat is one or two foods for a week or so...then it's onto the next.

But, vitamin D3 is important.

Hope I helped a little!

I've always given my son a multivitamin, just the Meijer brand chewable. After I seen the broadcast I checked and they actually do have 400 units of vit D, which is the new recommended dose. Hope this helps!

Hi Jody,
I saw that news cast also and I am always skeptical when new things like this come out. Next week they'll say something
different.
Vit. D helps calcium to be absorbed in the body so that is why it is usually teamed up with calcium.
My son has problems metabolising calcium so he takes Vit. D.
We use Carlson Vitamin D (2000 IU). They are soft gel capsules. My son can't swallow them so I pop them with a pin and squirt it in to his mouth. He takes them at meal times.
Hopes this helps.
m.

My pediatrician suggested I give the babies Tri-Vi-Sol while being breastfed and that contains vitamin D. They also said I could switch to Poly-vi-sol once the baby was weaned but that was up to me, not neccessary.