Vitamin D requirements in infancy: an updated systematic review

Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2021 May 1;24(3):259-264. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000748.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Systematic review looking for new evidence for recommendations for vitamin D supplementation in healthy infants based upon the most recent (4 years) available literature.

Recent findings: Randomized controlled trials published since 1 January 2017 that related to vitamin D doses in infancy were reviewed. They do not provide any additional evidence that larger, more generous amounts of daily vitamin D beyond the customary recommended 400 international units (IU) daily dose, affect any significant outcome. Larger amounts may lead to serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations that have been reported to be potentially associated with adverse effects, and a daily dose of 1200 IU may even harm in terms of increasing the risks of allergic sensitization.

Summary: There are still many unanswered questions left, in particular, whether or not more 'generous' amounts of vitamin D in infancy may improve long-term health outcomes such as prevention of adult osteoporosis, allergies, or cancer.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin D Deficiency* / prevention & control
  • Vitamins

Substances

  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin D