A new study published in the January 2011 issue of Pediatrics demonstrated that low levels of 
vitamin D in cord-blood of newborns was associated with a higher risk of respiratory infections during the first months after birth and a higher risk of wheezing episodes throughout early childhood. The study found that 20% of newborns (922 newborns in the study) had deficient Vitamin D blood levels.
This study provides further evidence for the importance of maintaining adequate vitamin D levels during pregnancy as well as later in life. Women should have their vitamin D levels tested during pregnancy and discuss the advisability of taking a vitamin D supplement with their chiropractor. Babies should have adequate sun exposure or take vitamin D as a supplement starting during infancy.
The study indicates that commonly recommended dosages of vitamin D3 supplementation during the winter months are 35 IU per pound of weight for babies, 2,000 IU for toddlers and older children, and 5,000 IU for adults.
It is always a good idea to have your blood levels tested as an adult and if a child requires a blood test for some reason, I recommend adding a Vit D blood test to this. Knowing your Vit D blood level provides the ability to supplement at a level that is exactly what you need. Otherwise, it is always a good idea to supplement daily even during the summer because most people these days do not have adequate sun exposure and when they are exposed, they are wearing sun screen which blocks the necessary UV rays for Vit D production in the skin.
Note: Please do not be fooled by the “prescriptions” for 50,000 IU’s of Vit D2, you will find when levels are re-tested in a few months, there is minimal improvement. You can achieve tremendous increases in blood levels of Vit D with High Quality Vit D3. I strongly recommend locating a chiropractor who specializes in Chiropractic Wellness Care so that they may provide you a high quality product and monitor your usage.
Vitamin D3 is vital for the proper functioning of many of your body’s systems including the immune system. It is very important to have a high quality product and a NERVE SYSTEM CLEAR OF INTERFERENCE SO THAT YOUR BODY CAN PROPERLY USE THE VIT D.
Dr. Stern is a Diplomate (Board Certified Specialist) in Chiropractic Pediatric, Maternity & Family Wellness Care. To learn more about Dr. Stern, Stern Chiropractic and/or healthy lifestyles visit us at http://www.SternChiro.com