Can Vitamin-D Suplemments Be Given To Children?

Posted on Sat, 8 Aug 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 8 Aug 2015 Answered on

Mon, 31 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am suddenly freaking out about giving vitamin D supplements to my 5 and 2 year old. I have done extensive research and discussed with pediatrician and allergist who agree that a vitamin D level of 50 ng/ml is optimal so that is what I have aimed for. I found the following article and now I am upset. It talks about vitamin D over 14 ng/ml being a brain tumor risk in babies over 7.6 lb possible linked to increased IGF-1. So I have been looking into IGF-1 and have found info that vitamin D and K2 (which I give my kids) increases circulating IGF-1. I do believe I found evidence that higher IGF-1 is only a problem without enough IGF-3 or Vitamin D. Can you please look at the links I have attached and address my concerns? Thank you.

http://www.YYYY.net/publication/0000

http://www.YYYY.com/Endocrinology/GeneralEndocrinology

http://www.YYYY.gov/pubmed/0000

http://YYYY.com/newsflash/00000-article/

http://www.YYYY.gov/pubmed/0000

Answered by Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possible thereotical risk.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam,

I understand your concern.

I have seen the links.

Yes your findings are correct.

But the research is still going on.

Temporary usage of Vitamin D will not lead to such risk.

So do not worry.

Stop giving Vitamin D now and check IGF 1 and Vitamin D levels.

Consult an endocrinologist and get expert assurance.

Post your further queries if any,

Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (53 minutes later)

Very confused. Did you read all? I believe that vitamin D counters the bad effects of igf-1. That is what Dr. Furhman says - all findings seem to concur that D is good and these don't say it isn't. Are you familiar with the need for vitamin D and the many studies?

The study regarding D levels were pertaining to prenatal levels. Nothing I can do about that and 14-37 is quite low.

The Egyptian study didn't even consider vitamin D levels. The correlation in the colon cancer study was that high D with IGF made foe no risk. Did you read thoroughly? Are u a pediatrician and do you recommend D to your patients?

Answered by Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (25 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Relevant Info is provided.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam,

Welcome back.

You are completely confused and seem to research in an unrelated way.

Let me clarify things for you step by step.

Under Normal Conditions--

1.IGF1 is not a completely bad molecule as per your perception.

2.Likewise IGF 1 is responsible for normal growth and cartilage in newborns and young adults.Many of the effects of IGF 1 are mediated through its binding protein called IGF BP3.This is Physiological related IGF mediated growth.

3.The effects of Growth hormone/GH are predominantly mediated by IGF 1.

4.The role of Vit D is only supportive to GH.In individuals with low levels of Vit D ,the additive action with GH is affected,hence effects of IGF 1 are not properly executed.IGF 1 inturn increases the synthesis of Vit D for normal physiological regulation.

5.Hence adequate correction of Vit D will potentiate the effects of GH.In other words Vit D can help to guide dosing levels of GH as well.

Now coming to role of IGF 1 in tumors.

1.This implication is done mainly in pancreatic,colon,breast and lung cancers.Its role in brain tumors is extremely unclear and not proved.

2.These tumors are known to create changes at gene level .These genetic changes will lead to increased levels of IGF 1 which subsequently increase the growth in various tissues and organs.This is Carcinogenesis related IGF growth.

Now to conclude Vit D is need only in deficient states.Its never assessed based on IGF 1 levels.Therefore giving Vit D will not lead to elevated IGF 1 causing cancers particularly brain tumors in children.Cancer origin is multi-factorial but predominantly gene mediated.The relation ship between Vit D-GH-IGF1-IGF3 sequence operates in physiological states like Normal growth.This sequence gets disturbed grossly in Cancers.

Hence I advised you to get Vit D levels in your child before giving the same.
Also IGF 1 levels can help to document the growth process at their age.This measurement is nothing to do with Brain tumors.

Always maintain Vit D levels in their therapeutic levels ie 20-40 ng/ml.

Do not give Vit D supplementation to your children unless there is a documented evidence of deficiency,since Vit D excess can lead to several other symptoms .

So kindly do not tax yourself going through all the above articles .The understanding of these requires professional knowledge.

Post your further queries if any.

Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (26 minutes later)

Good clarification. I live in southern California and most people are D deficient here despite sun - too much sunblock, etc... our labs say that under 30 ng/ml is deficiency. My allergist immunologist suggests a level of 50 or there abouts is optimimal.

I checked their levels 3 months ago and they were 37 and 49. I am checking again next week and plan to,adjust dosage to keep between 40-50.

Your thoughts?

Answered by Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Relevant data provided.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam,

Welcome back.

Let me clarify you the following--

Measurement of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) is the best test to determine vitamin D status. Levels of 25(OH)D are interpreted as follows.

21-29 ng/mL (52.5-72.5 nmol/L): Vitamin D insufficiency.

< 20 ng/mL (< 50 nmol/L): Vitamin D deficiency.

Based on these values,your children are not Vitamin D deficient.

Post your further queries if any.

Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj