02/22/2021
In 2005, 41.6% of Americans were struggling with Vitamin D deficiency. Now many physicians test for Vitamin D deficiency since it is linked to rickets in children, osteomalacia in adults, getting sick or infected often, bone pain, muscle weakness, fatigue and tiredness, back pain, depression, cardiovascular disease and asthma. As people age, it is believed that they have an increased risk of developing vitamin D deficiency. The skin can’t synthesize vitamin D as efficiently as we age.
Vitamin D Deficiency: 6 Causes, Common Symptoms & Health Risks (webmd.com)
It is estimated that as many as 30-40% of older adults with hip fractures are vitamin D deficient. In infants vitamin D requirements can’t be met by breast milk alone, which usually provides 25 IU vitamin D per liter. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a daily supplement of 200 IU vitamin D for breastfed infants beginning within the first 2 months of life. The recommendations for vitamin D increase after age 50.
Daily Recommended Intake of Vitamin D
Age Vitamin D
Infants 200 IU
Children 1-8 years 200 IU
9-30 years 200 IU
31-50 years 200 IU
51-70 years 400 IU
71 years and older 600 IU
Adequate intake of vitamin D will prevent rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. These are 2 forms of skeletal diseases that weaken bones. Osteomalacia also differs from osteoporosis, which causes bone thinning. Treatment for osteomalacia involves providing enough vitamin D and calcium, both required to harden and strengthen (mineralize) bones, and treating underlying disorders that might cause the condition.
Vitamin D is also known as the “sunshine vitamin” because the body manufactures vitamin D after being exposed to sunshine. 10-15 minutes, depending on how sensitive your skin is to sun, of sun exposure at least 2-3 times per week to the face, arms, hands or back without sunscreen is usually sufficient to provide adequate vitamin D. It is important to apply sunscreen after 10-15 minutes to protect the skin. People who receive limited sun exposure, need to make sure they include good sources of vitamin D in their diet.
There are very few foods that naturally contain vitamin D. They include fatty fish, egg yolks and liver. Many foods are fortified with vitamin D. An 8oz glass of vitamin D fortified milk provides 100 IU vitamin D. Even though milk is fortified with vitamin D, dairy products made from milk, such as cheese and ice creams, are generally not fortified with vitamin D. Refer to the chart below for foods that contain vitamin D.
Foods and Beverages Containing Vitamin D
3 ½oz salmon = 360 IU
1 ¾oz sardines = 250 IU
3oz tuna = 200 IU
8oz fortified milk = 100 IU
8oz fortified orange juice = 100 IU
1 T fortified margarine = 60 IU
½ cup pudding from fortified milk = 50 IU
1 cup fortified cereal = 40 IU
1 egg yolk = 20 IU
3 ½oz beef liver = 15 IU