Tablets to improve calcium and vitamin D. If new mothers have a vitamin D deficiency, their breastfed babies likely need vitamin D supplements, experts say.

Q&A: VITAMIN D Q&A: VITAMIN D Evidence is growing that vitamin D, which the skin makes from sunshine, is linked to lower risk of breast cancer and other cancers. But that doesn't mean it's good to get a golden tan -- and certainly not a sunburn. Vitamin D also is in certain foods and supplements, though the effectiveness varies. Here's the lowdown: Q: How much sun should I get? A: Many experts believe just 15 minutes a few times a week without sunscreen is sufficient and safe for most light-skinned people, but this is controversial. Q: I'm black. Does my skin absorb enough ultraviolet rays to produce sufficient vitamin D? A: In most cases, no. And some experts believe this may be one reason blacks have higher rates of cancer than whites. Nutrition specialists think vitamin D-3 supplements may be especially helpful for dark-skinned people. But you'll have to read the label to find D-3 most multivitamins don't contain it. Q: How much do I need? A: Scientists think adults may need 1,000 international units (IUs) a day, possibly 1,500 for cancer prevention. The government says 2,000 IUs is the upper daily limit for anyone over a year old. Any more can cause the body to retain dangerous amounts of calcium. Q. What about food sources? A. Vitamin D is in salmon, tuna and other oily fish, and is routinely added to milk. But diet accounts for very little of the vitamin D circulating in blood. Q: For years, we've been told to use sunscreen. Shouldn't we be worried about skin cancer? A: Sunscreen is advised for longer periods outdoors, to prevent skin cancer. Skin cancer is rarely fatal. Melanoma, the deadliest kind, accounts for less than 2% of cancer deaths. The risks posed by other, more common cancers is far greater. VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY Americans with low vitamin D levels: As as many as 36% of Americans are vitamin D deficient 40% of infants and toddlers tested below the optimal blood threshold for vitamin D Sources: National Center for Health Statistics; Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. To reduce rates of the bone-softening disease rickets and improve long-term bone health, the American Academy of Pediatrics is doubling its recommendation of vitamin D for babies, children and adolescents, according to a new clinical report out today. The report suggests children receive 400 IU (international units) a day of vitamin D, beginning in the first few days of life — a big leap from a 2003 recommendation that suggested only half that amount starting in the first two months of life. VITAMIN D: Low levels may raise risk of death TESTING: Requests soar as deficiency-diseases linked "We are doubling the recommended amount of vitamin D children need each day because evidence has shown this could have life-long health benefits," says chairman of the AAP National Committee on Nutrition and a lead author of the group's new report. "Supplementation is important because most children will not get enough vitamin D through diet alone." Foods rich in vitamin D include fortified milk and cereals and oily fish, says Catherine Gordon, an endocrinologist and director of the Children's Hospital Bone Health Program, Children's Hospital Boston. Though sunlight is a good source, UV rays can cause other health risks, she says. Breast-fed babies are especially at risk, according to the study authors. "Breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for infants. However, because of vitamin D deficiencies in the maternal diet, which affect the vitamin D in a mother's milk, it is important that breastfed infants receive supplements of vitamin D," says Carol Wagner, a member of the AAP Section on Breastfeeding Executive Committee and co-author of the report. It is important to note that the new recommendation pertains to healthy infants, children and adolescents, Gordon says. "There are children with chronic disease — such as epilepsy, celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease — who need much higher vitamin D doses to avoid vitamin D deficiency." The new recommendations from the Academy of Pediatrics include: •Breastfed and partially breastfed babies should be supplemented with 400 IU a day of vitamin D beginning in the first few days of life. •All non-breastfed infants, as well as older children, who are consuming less than one quart per day of vitamin D-fortified formula or milk, should receive a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU a day. •Adolescents who do not obtain 400 IU of vitamin D per day through foods should receive a supplement containing that amount. •Children with increased risk of vitamin D deficiency, such as those taking certain medications, may need higher doses of vitamin D. Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. 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