Nutrition | Supplements Mentioned in the Newly-Released Dietary Guidelines

 

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