Higher vitamin D levels may increase bone density in newborns

Higher vitamin D levels in preterm infants may prevent rickets.

Previously, rickets were a disease leading to softening and weak bones in children due to lack of Vitamin D.

As recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, all newborns must receive Vitamin D supplements usually 400 international units (IU) every day.

Researchers from the University of Nebraska in Omaha, USA, said that adding 400 IU of vitamin D to 800 IU daily would reduce the risk of low bone density in newborns.

In the study published in Plos One, the team evaluated two groups of newborns - with 400 and 800 IU doses of vitamin D daily in babies born between 24 and 32 weeks.

Preterm infants with an additional dose of 800 IU daily show an improvement in bone density, compared with those given only 400 IU daily.

They also saw an improvement in growth, significantly reducing the risk of infants having very low bone density.

Ann Anderson Berry, Associate Professor of the University, said: " We hope that neonatal caregivers will consider giving babies an 800-IU intake ."

" We know that even with standard doses of vitamin D, we still see some term newborns with reduced bone health, but this study will provide a form of care, " Berry added. Special squirrels help babies to reduce that risk . "