Supplements
receive numerous mentions in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans
2020-2025 released by USDA and HHS on December 29, 2020 as the
following.
Vitamin
D for infants & kids
All
infants who are fed human milk exclusively or who receive both human
milk and infant formula (mixed fed) will need a vitamin D supplement
of 400 IU pre day beginning soon after birth. Families who do not
wish to provide a supplement directly to their infant should discuss
with a healthcare provider the risk and benefits of maternal high
dose supplementation options.
Even when
consuming a varied diet, achieving adequate vitamin D from foods and
beverages )natural sources) alone is challenging, suggesting that
young children may need to continue taking a vitamin D supplement
after age 12 months.
Vitamin
D for adults
Close to
30 percent of men and 60 percent of women older than age 19 years do
not consume enough calcium, and more than 90 percent do not consume
enough vitamin D. Particular attention should be given to consuming
adequate amount of foods with these nutrients during adult years to
promote optimal bone health and prevent the onset of osteoporosis.
Some
individuals may have difficulty producing sufficient vitamin D from
foods and beverages, so a supplement may be recommended by a health
professional.
Vitamn
B-12 supplement during lactation
Human
milk has sufficient vitamin B-12 to meet infant needs unless the
mother's vitamin B-12 status is inadequate. This can occur for
different reasons, including when the mother eats a strictly vegan
diet without any animal source foods.
When the
mother is at risk of vitamin B-12 deficiency, human milk may not
provide sufficient vitamin B-12.In these cases, the mother and/or
inant fed human milk may require a vitamin B-12 supplement.Parents,
caregivers, and guardians should consult with a healthcare provider
to determine whether supplementation is necessary.
Vitamin
B-12 supplement for older adults
Vitamin
B-12 is of concern for some older adults because the ability to
absorb this nutrient can decrease with age and use of certain
medications can decrease absorption. Some individuals may require
vitamin B-12 dietary supplements.
Folic
acid, iron and iodine for pregnancy
The
United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends
that all women who are planning or capable of pregnancy take a daily
supplement containing 400 to 800 mcg of folic acid. The critical
period for supplementation starts at least 1 month before conception
and continues through the first 2 to 3 months of pregnancy to prevent
neural tube defects.
Iron is a
key nutrient during pregnancy that supports fetal development. Women
who are pregnant or who are planning to become pregnant are advised
to take a supplement containing iron.
Adequate
iodine intake during pregnancy is important for neurocognitive
development of the fetus. Some women of reproductive age who do not
regularly consume dairy products, eggs, seafood, or use iodized table
salt, may not consume enough iodine to meet increased needs during
pregnancy and lactation, and may need a supplement containing iodine.
Most
prenatal supplements sold in the United States contain folic acid.
Most prenatal supplements are also designed to meet the higher iron
needs of pregnancy.
Many
prenatal supplements do not contain iodine. Thus, it is important to
read the label.
More information about Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025, please check out:
https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/resources/2020-2025-dietary-guidelines-online-materials
