Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that is needed for:
- Bone health
- Calcium absorption
- Immune system functioning
How Much Vitamin D Do I Need?
Since vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, people with healthy digestive systems store some of it in their bodies. The USDA recommends that most people should consume between 200 to 600 International Units (IU) of vitamin D each day, which in addition to the amount stored in their bodies, will meet their daily requirements. Since people with cystic fibrosis do not digest or store fats well, they need to consume more. Each person’s needs will vary, but in general, infants with cystic fibrosis require 400 IU per day and children age one and older need 400 to 800 IU of vitamin D.
What are the Best Sources of Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is created by our bodies when sunlight hits the skin. It is only found naturally in a handful of foods -- all of which are animal sources. Since it is so hard to come by naturally, vitamin D is also added to some foods in the production process.
Food sources of vitamin D include:
- Milk
- Salmon
- Mackerel
- Tuna packed in oil
- Sardines packed in oil
- Fortified cereals
While it is important to eat foods rich in vitamin D, it is difficult for people with cystic fibrosis to get sufficient amounts from diet alone. Your doctor will probably also prescribe a supplement containing vitamin D to help you meet your daily requirements. If you take pancreatic enzymes, be sure to take them with your vitamin supplements and food to get the most benefit.
Sources:
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. 2005. “Vitamin D”. 28 September 2008.
National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. 2008. “Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin D”. 28 September 2008.
