Do 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 in supporting bone health and preventing conditions like rickets, which can lead to weak or deformed bones. However, a significant concern arises regarding how infants, especially those who are exclusively breastfed, obtain this essential nutrient.
Breast Milk and Vitamin D Content
Research indicates that breast milk alone does not provide sufficient vitamin D for infants. While breast milk is often hailed as the optimal source of nutrition for newborns, it typically contains inadequate levels of vitamin D to meet an infant’s needs. This deficiency is particularly pronounced in exclusively breastfed infants, who may not receive enough vitamin D from their mother’s milk.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfed infants receive a daily supplement of vitamin D, starting shortly after birth. This is because the natural levels of vitamin D in breast milk are generally too low to support the infant’s requirements for healthy bone development.
Maternal Supplementation as a Solution
One potential solution to this issue is maternal vitamin D supplementation. Studies have shown that when breastfeeding mothers take higher doses of vitamin D—around 6,400 IU per day—this can significantly increase the vitamin D content in their breast milk, potentially providing enough for their nursing infants. This approach not only helps ensure that the infant receives adequate vitamin D but also offers an alternative to direct supplementation for the baby.
The Importance of Supplementation
Given the challenges of obtaining sufficient vitamin D through breast milk alone, supplementation is essential for breastfed infants. The recommended dosage is typically 400 IU per day, starting from the first few days of life. This supplementation is crucial, especially for infants who may have limited sun exposure due to factors like living in northern latitudes, having darker skin, or being kept indoors.
Conclusion
In summary, while breast milk is an excellent source of nutrition for infants, it falls short in providing adequate vitamin D. Therefore, it is vital for breastfeeding mothers to consider supplementation strategies, either through their own increased intake or by providing direct vitamin D drops to their infants. This proactive approach can help ensure that infants receive the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development.

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.

Is 4 months too late to start vitamin D?

All children need vitamin D beginning shortly after birth. Children younger than 12 months old need 400 IU of vitamin D each day. Children 12 to 24 months old need 600 IU of vitamin D each day.

Can breastfeeding cause vitamin D deficiency in mother?

Additionally, breastfeeding women had increased odds of vitamin D deficiency (<25.0 nmol/L) compared with NPNB women.

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.

Can I skip vitamin D drops for baby?

You do not need to give your baby a vitamin D supplement if they are fed more than 300ml of infant formula a day. Infant formula now comes with vitamin D added to it. All breastfed babies will still need a vitamin D supplement after birth, even if: you took vitamin D during pregnancy.

Do breastfed babies really need vitamin D drops?

Breastfed or partly breastfed babies need 400 international units (IU) of liquid vitamin D a day. This should start soon after birth. Babies need this amount of vitamin D supplement until weaned or until they drink 32 ounces (about 1 liter) a day of formula with added vitamin D.

How long do babies need vitamin D drops?

Young children should still have vitamin drops, even if they get out in the sun. The Department of Health and Social Care recommends: Babies from birth to 1 year of age who are being breastfed should be given a daily supplement containing 8.5 to 10 micrograms of vitamin D to make sure they get enough.

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.

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 is passed to baby in breast milk?

Breast milk passes the mother’s antibodies to the baby. This helps protect the child from germs until their immune system develops. Breast milk contains many other biologically active components, too. “Human milk is not just a composite of individual components,” Raiten says.