Vitamin D

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Vitamin D

Vitamin D is vital for calcium absorption in bones and to improve muscle strength. Not getting enough vitamin D in childhood can slow growth or cause misshapen bones (rickets); not getting enough vitamin D throughout life increases the risk for bone thinning (osteoporosis) in later years.

The recommended minimum intake for vitamin D is 200 IU per day for infants, children, and adolescents.

A person age 19 to 50 needs 200 IU of vitamin D every day. A person age 51 to 70 needs 400 IU of vitamin D every day. People age 71 and older need 600 IU of vitamin D every day. People who live in sunny climates can get enough vitamin D through 10 to 15 minutes per day of sun exposure a few days a week.

You can get the amount of vitamin D you need each day by eating a variety of dairy products. Vitamin D is in foods such as egg yolks, liver, saltwater fish, and vitamin D-fortified dairy products. Vitamin D also is available in supplements, often in combination with calcium.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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