We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Prevention and treatment of infant and childhood vitamin D deficiency in Australia and New Zealand: a consensus statement.
- Authors
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
- Abstract
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.
- Publication
Medical Journal of Australia, 2006, Vol 185, Issue 5, p268
- ISSN
0025-729X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.5694/j.1326-5377.2006.tb00558.x