Do babies get enough vitamin D from milk?

Understanding Vitamin D Needs in Infants
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the development of infants, particularly in supporting healthy bone growth and preventing conditions like rickets, which can lead to weak or deformed bones. However, the question of whether babies receive adequate vitamin D from milk—specifically breast milk and formula—has significant implications for their health.
Breast Milk: A Limited Source of Vitamin D
Research indicates that breast milk alone does not provide sufficient vitamin D for infants. In fact, breast milk contains only about 25 IU of vitamin D per liter, which is far below the recommended daily intake for infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that infants need 400 IU of vitamin D daily, starting from the first few days of life . This means that exclusively breastfed infants are at risk of vitamin D deficiency unless they receive supplements.
Formula: A Fortified Alternative
On the other hand, infant formula is fortified with vitamin D, providing approximately 400 IU per liter. For babies who consume enough formula—at least 32 ounces a day—they can meet their daily vitamin D requirements through formula alone. This fortification is crucial, as it ensures that formula-fed infants receive adequate levels of this essential nutrient.
The Need for Supplementation
Given the limitations of breast milk, supplementation is often necessary for breastfed infants. Pediatricians recommend that these infants receive a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU to ensure they meet their nutritional needs. This supplementation is particularly important in the early months of life when the risk of deficiency is highest.
Conclusion: The Importance of Monitoring Vitamin D Intake
In summary, while formula-fed infants can obtain sufficient vitamin D from their diet, breastfed infants require additional supplementation to meet their needs. Parents and caregivers should be proactive in ensuring that their babies receive the necessary vitamin D, either through fortified formula or supplements, to support their healthy growth and development. As always, consulting with a pediatrician can provide tailored guidance based on individual dietary practices and health considerations.

How much vitamin D does it take to pass through breast milk?

Breast milk typically contains an average of 5-80 IU per liter of vitamin D. This is insufficient to meet the daily requirement of 400 IU of vitamin D for infants, especially if the mother is not obtaining significant amounts of vitamin D daily.

Do babies get vitamin D from milk?

For children older than 12 months, plain whole cow’s milk is a great source of vitamin D. Most cow’s milk sold in stores is fortified with vitamin D. For babies younger than 12 months, cow’s milk is not recommended because it may put your baby at risk for intestinal bleeding.

Do breastfed babies really need vitamin D drops?

Do infants get enough vitamin D from breast milk? No. Breast milk alone does not provide infants with enough vitamin D. Shortly after birth, most breastfed infants will need an additional source of vitamin D through a supplement.

Is it too late to give my baby vitamin D?

So the recommendation is that the baby should receive its own oral vitamin D drops containing 7-8.5µg per day from 4 weeks of birth until the age of 5 years. Waiting until the baby is 6 months may be too late to prevent development of symptoms. Mothers may also develop symptoms of deficiency themselves.

What blocks vitamin D absorption?

Because vitamin D is fat soluble, its absorption depends on the gut’s ability to absorb dietary fat [4]. Fat malabsorption is associated with medical conditions that include some forms of liver disease, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis [1,63].

What are signs of low vitamin D?

What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency?

• Muscle pain.
• Bone pain.
• Increased sensitivity to pain.
• A tingly, “pins-and-needles” sensation in the hands or feet.
• Muscle weakness in body parts near the trunk of the body, such as the upper arms or thighs.
• Waddling while walking, due to muscle weakness in the hips or legs.

What is the best source of vitamin D for babies?

Foods may have added vitamin D, or it is found naturally in foods such as fatty fish like salmon and egg yolks. Drinking whole milk after age 12 months can also help with vitamin D levels. If you have questions about your baby’s need for vitamin D supplements, talk to your baby’s healthcare professional.

Is milk sufficient for vitamin D?

Milk does not provide the dietary requirements of vitamin D (Table 4), while cheese represents the right kind of food for the recommended dietary intake of this nutrient; in the States, the fortification level of vitamin D in cheese is strictly regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration [69].

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.

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

Give your baby the supplement when you remember – but don’t give more than one dose a day. Do not give extra to make up for missed days. * This is a public health recommendation for healthy infants.