A systematic review of parent's knowledge of, and compliance with, recommendations for vitamin D supplementation in young Irish children

Abstract

Almost 5 to 13 of young children aged 1-5- year-old have vitamin D deficiency. [1,2] • Vitamin D deficiency in young children is associated with impaired bone growth, and the skeletal disorder rickets in severe vitamin D deficiency. [3] • The US Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends at least 10 μg/day vitamin D from food sources and supplements [4] • The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) recommends vitamin D-only supplements: 0-12 month-old: 5 μg/day for breastfed infants and those consuming formula 300 mL/day. ➢ 1–5 year-old: 5 μg/day from Halloween to St Patrick’s Day during the extended winter months.