What Is Rickets?
2. How Much Vitamin D Is Enough?
The recommended daily allowance of vitamin D is 600 international units per day for most children and adults. Infants under 12 months of age require slightly less, or about 400 IU. This is sufficient to maintain strong, healthy bones. It is present in some fortified foods like milk and cereals and can also be administered as a dietary supplement.
The skin also produces vitamin D during sun exposure. This is widely regarded as the best and most efficient way to maintain adequate vitamin D levels. Most people can make enough to meet the recommended amounts with about 15 minutes of sun exposure each day. Several factors, such as skin color, location, time of year and whether you use sunscreen, can impact the amount you produce.
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