Vitamin D Supplementation Dose for a 12-Year-Old
For a 12-year-old child, the recommended vitamin D supplementation dose is 600-1,000 IU per day. 1
Standard Dosing Recommendations
The Institute of Medicine recommends 600 IU/day of vitamin D for children aged 1-18 years for optimal skeletal health. 1
The Endocrine Society's Clinical Guidelines recommend a higher range of 600-1,000 IU/day for children aged 1-18 years to both prevent and treat vitamin D deficiency. 1
The American Academy of Pediatrics established a minimum daily intake of 400 IU for all infants, children, and adolescents, though this may be insufficient for some children. 2
When Supplementation is Needed
Children who consume less than 1 liter (approximately 4 cups) of vitamin D-fortified milk per day will likely need supplementation to reach adequate vitamin D levels. 2
Vitamin D deficiency is defined as a 25-hydroxyvitamin D level <20 ng/mL, while insufficiency is 21-29 ng/mL. 1
Observational studies suggest a target 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration of 50 nmol/L to prevent rickets and 75 nmol/L to optimize overall health, though randomized controlled trial evidence for these specific targets remains limited. 3
Special Consideration for Iron Deficiency Anemia
While the provided evidence focuses on iron supplementation for iron deficiency anemia (3 mg/kg/day of elemental iron), there is an association between vitamin D insufficiency and iron deficiency anemia in children. 4
One study found that 25.5% of children with vitamin D insufficiency also experienced iron deficiency anemia compared to 12% in the normal vitamin D group, suggesting these deficiencies may coexist. 4
For a 12-year-old with iron deficiency anemia, address both deficiencies: provide 3 mg/kg/day of elemental iron between meals 5, 6 AND ensure adequate vitamin D supplementation at 600-1,000 IU/day. 1
Safety Profile
Vitamin D supplementation in the range of 10-50 μg/day (400-2,000 IU/day) appears safe for children and remains a promising intervention for optimizing pediatric health. 3
No patient-oriented outcome trials have definitively established universal vitamin D supplementation benefits beyond rickets prevention, though vitamin D may reduce risk of certain infections and chronic diseases. 2, 3
Practical Implementation
Choose vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplements, as this is the most commonly studied and recommended form. 2
Vitamin D is fat-soluble, so administration with meals containing some fat may improve absorption. 2
Children at higher latitudes, with limited sun exposure, darker skin pigmentation, or restricted diets require particular attention to vitamin D status. 1