Can babies get vitamin D through breast milk?

The Role of Vitamin D in Infant Health
Vitamin D is crucial for the healthy development of infants, particularly for bone health and immune function. However, the question of whether babies can obtain sufficient vitamin D through breast milk is a significant concern for new parents and healthcare providers alike.
Vitamin D Content in Breast Milk
Research indicates that breast milk typically contains inadequate levels of vitamin D to meet the needs of exclusively breastfed infants. While breast milk is often hailed as the optimal source of nutrition for babies, it generally lacks sufficient vitamin D, which is essential for preventing deficiencies and promoting overall health . This deficiency is particularly concerning given that many infants may not receive adequate sunlight exposure, which is a natural source of vitamin D.
Recommendations for Supplementation
Due to the low levels of vitamin D in breast milk, health organizations recommend that breastfed infants receive vitamin D supplements. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that, because sunshine exposure can vary and may increase the risk of skin cancer, vitamin D supplementation is essential for breastfed infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics also supports this recommendation, suggesting that infants should receive a daily supplement of 400 IU of vitamin D starting shortly after birth.
Maternal Vitamin D Supplementation
Interestingly, there is evidence that maternal vitamin D supplementation can enhance the vitamin D content of breast milk. Studies have shown that when breastfeeding mothers take higher doses of vitamin D, such as 6,400 IU per day, the levels of vitamin D in their milk can increase sufficiently to meet their infant’s needs. This approach offers an alternative to direct supplementation for infants, allowing mothers to provide adequate vitamin D through their milk.
Conclusion
In summary, while breast milk is an excellent source of nutrition for infants, it is generally insufficient in vitamin D. Therefore, supplementation is recommended for breastfed babies to ensure they receive adequate amounts of this vital nutrient. Parents should consult with healthcare providers to determine the best approach for their child’s vitamin D needs, whether through direct supplementation or maternal dietary adjustments.

How common are rickets in breastfed babies?

Nutritional rickets is not rare in the United States and Taiwan, and 70% to 90% of children with nutritional rickets are exclusively breastfed without vitamin D supplementation.

What if I forgot to give my breastfed baby vitamin D?

Your baby should be fine. It is best practice to give them vitamin D, but the human did manage to survive before the vitamin D drops even existed. Your little one is at a bit of an increased risk for some things, but the risk is still pretty small. You know now and she will get them now.

How did babies get vitamin D before drops?

After birth, vitamin D can be obtained by the infant through mother’s milk (0.5-1.8 micrograms per liter), and through supplements (1). Vitamin D can also be made in the infant’s skin when exposed to ultraviolet beta solar radiation (4).

What are the side effects of vitamin D drops for breastfed babies?

For partially breastfed infants or formula-fed infants who do not drink 1 liter of formula each day, the doctor may prescribe a much smaller dose. Too much vitamin D can cause nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, joint pain, confusion, and fatigue.

Is 2 months too late to start vitamin D drops?

First, and most importantly, breastfed infants should be given vitamin D drops. It is not safe to assume that they get enough vitamin D from the sun or from breast milk. These should generally be given from a dropper that provides 400 IU each day from a single dropper. Begin the drops in the first week or two of life.

Can you put vitamin D drops in a breast milk bottle?

You can also: Mix vitamin D drops with expressed breastmilk in a bottle. (It can also be added to formula if babies have lower amounts of formula.)

Do babies get enough vitamin D from breast milk?

“Breast milk alone does not provide infants with an adequate amount of vitamin D. Shortly after birth, most infants will need an additional source of vitamin D.”

Can vitamins be passed through breast milk?

Vitamin B12 is transferred through the placenta to the fetus during pregnancy and through breast milk after birth. Infants will receive enough vitamin B12 if they: Drink breast milk from a mother who consumes adequate amounts of vitamin B12.

What are the symptoms of low vitamin D in babies?

Most people with a vitamin D deficiency do not have any symptoms. If they do, common symptoms are muscle weakness or cramps, bone pain, feeling tired or being depressed. Vitamin D deficiency can cause babies and children to get rickets. Rickets is a disease that causes thin, weak and deformed bones.

Can anything be passed through breast milk?

Infectious organisms can reach the breast milk either by secretion in the fluid or cellular components of breast milk or by contamination of the milk at the time of or after expression.