Vitamin D Drops for Infants, Kids and Adults

Vitamin D is more and more in the news as research reveals just how important it is–and how little we get of it. You can see my post on Vitamin D-The Sunshine Vitamin for more information on a few reasons why vitamin D levels are critical to being healthy. In the winter when the days are shorter and we are inside Vitamin D supplements are necessary for many people. Kelly Dorfman told me about Vitamin D Drops–which I love because they make getting Vitamin D so easy. You just put a drop in a drink or your mouth. Carlson makes three vitamin D drops–one is 400 IU, one is 1,000 IU and the other is 2,000 IU. I found the drops easily at the Vitamin Shoppe.

The recommended daily allowance for vitamin D keeps going up as research is done. Since 2003, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended 200 IU for all breastfed infants from birth onward but in October of 2008 they changed their recommendation to 400 IUs for all children. Adults can take 1,000 IU or 2,000 IU if you have low blood levels. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin but according to current research toxic levels begin at 10,000IU a day–so supplementation is safe. My 7 year old is supposed to get 600 IUs. A tsp of cod liver oil will provide 400IUs of Vitamin D, which can be a good food source for kids. And one packet of Rainbow Light Nutristart Multivitamin Powder (for infants & Children from 6 months to 4 years) also provides 400IU. (Also, the Rainbow Light Multivitamin has been tested by my way too sensitive 3 year old and it definitely is gluten free/dairy free!)

HealtheSavers will email you a $2.00 coupon to use for the Carlson drops between now and January 31, 2009.