There are certain issues that need to be emphasized
in the recent review article on Vitamin D deficiency [1].
The authors’ recommendation of 400 IU daily to
toddlers and adolescents is erroneous. The current recommendation for
this group is at least 600 IU per day [2]. Commercial preparations of
1000 IU per drop have the potential for Vitamin D toxicity.
The authors also state that "Supplementation in
newborn period: For infants who are exclusively breastfed a minimum
daily intake of 400 IU/day should be initiated within a few days after
birth. Since most of the infant formulas contain 400 IU/L, infants who
are on formula feeds also need supplementation unless they consume more
than 1000 mL of formula per day."
Careful scrutiny of the commercial infant formulae
available in the Indian market tells us a different story. Virtually no
preparation has the concentration mentioned by the authors.
1. Balasubramanian S, Dhanalakshmi K, Amperayani S.
Vitamin D deficiency in childhood – A review of current guidelines on
diagnosis and management. Indian Pediatr. 2013;50:669-75.
2. Shah B, Finberg L. Single-day therapy for
nutritional vitamin D-deficiency rickets: a preferred method. J Pediatr.
1994;125:487–90.