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.
| 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 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise