This was successfully posted to your pofile.
This box will close automatically in a few seconds. Close this window
We don't have an e-mail address on file for you. To use AAFP Connection, you must have an e-mail address in our records. Click Here
FDA Issues Recommendations for Parents, Industry on Infant Vitamin D Supplements
Products Pose Potential Overdose Risk
By News Staff
But Linda Katz, M.D., M.P.H., interim chief medical officer in the agency's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, said in a June 15 teleconference that some liquid vitamin D products come with droppers that can hold significantly more than the recommended amount of liquid vitamin D.
In a June 15 letter to manufacturers, the FDA recommended that 400 units be clearly and accurately marked on droppers packaged with vitamin D supplements. It also recommended that products intended specifically for infants have droppers that hold no more than 400 units.
Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption and plays a key role in the development of strong bones. However, Katz said excessive vitamin D can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, excessive thirst, frequent urination, constipation, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, muscle and joint aches, confusion, fatigue, and kidney damage.
The agency said other potential serious consequences of overdose may include cardiac arrhythmias, osteomalacia and hypercalcemia, which can lead to soft-tissue deposition of calcium, resulting in other associated problems, such as hypertension.
The agency issued a number of recommendations aimed at parents and other caregivers.
- Ensure that your infant does not receive more than 400 IU of vitamin D a day.
- Keep the vitamin D supplement product with its original package so that you and other caregivers can follow the dosing instructions. Follow these instructions carefully and give the correct dose.
- Use only the dropper that comes with the product because it is manufactured specifically for that product.
- Ensure the dropper is marked so that the units of measure are clear and easy to understand. Also make sure that the units of measure correspond to those mentioned in the instructions.
- If you cannot clearly determine the dose of vitamin D delivered by the dropper, talk to a health care professional before giving the supplement to your infant.
- If your infant is being fully or partially fed with infant formula, check with your physician before giving the child vitamin D supplements.
Although vitamin D overdose is a serious issue, a study published in the April issue of Pediatrics found that the vast majority of U.S. infants don't receive enough vitamin D.
Researchers found that no more than 13 percent of infants who were strictly breastfed met either a 2003 recommendation for 200 IU of vitamin D or the 2008 recommendation of 400 IU. As many as 35 percent of infants who received breast milk and formula met the 2003 recommendation, but only 9 percent to 14 percent met the 2008 recommendation.
Of infants who received only formula, 81 percent to 98 percent met the 2003 recommendation, but less than 40 percent met the 2008 recommendation.
Researchers concluded that physicians should encourage parents of infants who either are exclusively breastfed or who consume less than one liter of formula a day to give their infants an oral vitamin D supplement.
Vitamin D Levels Inadequate in 70 Percent of U.S. Children
Improved Diet, Supplements, Sun Exposure Among Remedial Options
(8/18/2009)
More From AAFP
American Family Physician: "Vitamin D Supplementation in Infants, Children, and Adolescents"
(Members/Paid Subscribers Only)
(March 15, 2010)
Additional Resources
FDA Consumer Update: "Infant Overdose Risk With Liquid Vitamin D"
(June 15, 2010)
FDA Letter to Industry Concerning Liquid Vitamin D Dietary Supplements
(June 15, 2010)
American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Report: "Prevention of Rickets and Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants, Children, and Adolescents"
(November 2008)
Pediatrics: "Adherence to Vitamin D Recommendations Among U.S. Infants"
(April 2010)
This was successfully posted to your pofile.
This box will close automatically in a few seconds. Close this window
We don't have an e-mail address on file for you. To use AAFP Connection, you must have an e-mail address in our records. Click Here
Remain Vigiliant for Novel Coronavirus, Says CDC
DTaP Remains in Short Supply This Summer
Though Waning, H7N9 Still Poses Pandemic Potential
AUA Says No to Routine PSA Screening
AAFP Criticizes Appeal of Plan B One-Step Ruling
AAFP to Hospitals: Stop Early Elective Deliveries
AAFP, USPSTF Differ Somewhat on HIV Screening Guidance
Zoledronic Acid Confers Both Pros, Cons
ACP Issues Guidance on PSA Screening
Abbott Recalls FreeStyle InsuLinx Blood Glucose Meter
Discuss Drug Options With Women at Risk for Breast Cancer
Shingles Vaccine Effective, But Uptake Is Low
Evidence Lacking to Make Oral Cancer Screening Recommendation
Two External Guidelines Get Qualified AAFP Endorsement
USPSTF Recommends BRCA Testing for High-risk Women
Primary Care, Public Health Look for Ways to Integrate
Malfunction Prompts Glucose Meter Recall
Evidence Lacking on PAD Screening, Says USPSTF
Azithromycin Poses Arrhythmia Risk, Says FDA
Vets With PTSD Often Prescribed Inappropriate Meds
AIM-HI Offers Grants to Combat Childhood Obesity
USPSTF Says No to Low-dose Vitamin D, Calcium to Prevent Fractures
PCV13, HibMenCY Vaccine Changes Approved by ACIP
AAFP, Other Groups Release More Choosing Wisely Lists
National Office Champions Tobacco Cessation Project Successful
USPSTF Issues Draft Statement on Glaucoma Screening
Study Examines Overuse, Inappropriate Use of Health Services
Apply to Become an AAFP Vaccine Science Fellow
Study Looks to Reduce PSA Screening Risks
AAP Issues New Clinical Guidance on Type 2 Diabetes
CDC: Adult Vaccination Rates Still Too Low
Pertussis Outbreaks Declining, but Immunization Still Key
2013 Immunization Schedules Include Several Changes
FDA Warns of Liver Injury Risk With Samsca Use
FDA Approves First Recombinant Trivalent Influenza Vaccine
AAFP, USPSTF: Screen Women of Childbearing Age for Partner Violence
Breast Cancer Screening in Older Women Costly, Likely Ineffective
CDC Gives Flu Update, Urges Continued Vaccination
Aerobic Exercise Beats Resistance Training for Weight Control
