Does my toddler need a vitamin D supplement?

What the evidence says

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, toddlers and older children need 600 IU of vitamin D every day. Most children won't get enough of this from diet alone, so a supplement is often recommended unless your child is drinking plenty of vitamin D-fortified milk.

Specifically, if your toddler is drinking less than 32 ounces (about 1 liter) per day of vitamin D-fortified milk, a supplement is generally advised. If they're getting close to that amount from milk, they may be covered without an extra supplement.

Some toddlers need extra attention here: those with certain medical conditions (like chronic fat malabsorption) or on certain medications (like antiseizure drugs) may need higher doses and should have this checked with blood tests, per your pediatrician's guidance.

Guidelines do vary a bit by country and organization (for example, UK guidance recommends a supplement for all children aged 1 to 4 regardless of milk intake), so it's worth checking with your own pediatrician about what fits your child's diet and location best.