- Vitamin D is essential for the development of strong bones and prevention of rickets.
- Rickets is the softening and weakening of the bones characterized by defective bone growth.
- The incidence of rickets peaks between 3-18 months of age.
- In November 2008, The American Academy of Pediatric increased the recommended vitamin D dosage. According to the AAP, all infants and children should be supplemented with 400 IU (international units) of vitamin D starting shortly after birth and continuing until consuming 1 liter (approximately 34 ounces) of vitamin D fortified milk or formula per day. (Note: whole milk should not be introduced until after 12 months of age.)
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