They do not provide any additional evidence that larger , more generous amounts of daily vitamin D beyond the customary recommended 400 IU daily dose , affect any significant outcome .
Larger amounts may lead to serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D concentrations that have been reported to be potentially associated with adverse effects .
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 osteoporosis , allergies , or cancer
Purpose of review New evidence for recommendations for vitamin D supplementation in healthy infants based upon recent literature .
Randomised controlled trial analysing supplementation with 250 versus 500 units of vitamin D3, sun exposure and surrounding factors in breastfed infants
Background The rate of non-compliance with vitamin D supplementation is as high as 45 % . This is why r and omised controlled trials are needed to analyse the response to low doses of vitamin D3 . Objective ( 1 ) To compare supplementation with 250 versus 500 units of vitamin D3 and ( 2 ) to analyse sun exposure time/ultraviolet B ( UVB ) exposure during the first 6 weeks of life . Design 40 breastfed infants ( skin photo-types I , II ) were recruited in Berlin , Germany ( 52.5 ° N ) , during summer ( n=20 ) and winter ( n=20 ) and r and omised into equal groups on either 250 or 500 units of  vitamin D3 per day . Outcome measures were : parameters of vitamin D and bone metabolism at delivery and 6 weeks later , sun exposure time , UVB dosimetry and surrounding factors including maternal diet . Results At delivery 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels were insufficient : 68 ( 53–83 ) nmol/l in each group . 6 weeks later levels were sufficient : 139 ( 114–164 ) nmol/l on 250 units of vitamin D3 per day and 151 ( 126–176 ) nmol/l on 500 units/day . There was no seasonal variation . Daily sun exposure time was 0.4–3.5 h and higher in summer . UVB exposure was 0.01–0.08 minimal erythema dose/day . Calcium levels were within normal . Conclusions In Berlin , Germany , supplementation with 250 units of vitamin D3 is sufficient for breastfed infants during their first 6 weeks of life in summer and winter . UVB exposure is very low throughout the year
They do not provide any additional evidence that larger , more generous amounts of daily vitamin D beyond the customary recommended 400 IU daily dose , affect any significant outcome .
Larger amounts may lead to serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D concentrations that have been reported to be potentially associated with adverse effects .
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 osteoporosis , allergies , or cancer
Purpose of review New evidence for recommendations for vitamin D supplementation in healthy infants based upon recent literature .