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Prevention and treatment of infant and childhood vitamin D deficiency in Australia and New Zealand: a consensus statement
Author(s) -
Munns Craig,
Zacharin Margaret R,
Rodda Christine P,
Batch Jennifer A,
Morley Ruth,
Cranswick Noel E,
Craig Maria E,
Cutfield Wayne S,
Hofman Paul L,
Taylor Barry J,
Grover Sonia R,
Pasco Julie A,
Burgner David,
Cowell Christopher T
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
medical journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1326-5377
pISSN - 0025-729X
DOI - 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00558.x
Subject(s) - medicine , vitamin d deficiency , ergocalciferol , vitamin d and neurology , breastfeeding , dark skin , pediatrics , rickets , cholecalciferol , vitamin , sun exposure , dermatology
Vitamin D deficiency has re‐emerged as a significant paediatric health issue, with complications including hypocalcaemic seizures, rickets, limb pain and fracture. A major risk factor for infants is maternal vitamin D deficiency. For older infants and children, risk factors include dark skin colour, cultural practices, prolonged breastfeeding, restricted sun exposure and certain medical conditions. To prevent vitamin D deficiency in infants, pregnant women, especially those who are dark‐skinned or veiled, should be screened and treated for vitamin D deficiency, and breastfed infants of dark‐skinned or veiled women should be supplemented with vitamin D for the first 12 months of life. Regular sunlight exposure can prevent vitamin D deficiency, but the safe exposure time for children is unknown. To prevent vitamin D deficiency, at‐risk children should receive 400 IU vitamin D daily; if compliance is poor, an annual dose of 150 000 IU may be considered. Treatment of vitamin D deficiency involves giving ergocalciferol or cholecalciferol for 3 months (1000 IU/day if < 1 month of age; 3000 IU/day if 1–12 months of age; 5000 IU/day if > 12 months of age). High‐dose bolus therapy (300 000–500 000 IU) should be considered for children over 12 months of age if compliance or absorption issues are suspected.