Do breastfed babies need vitamin D3?

The Importance of Vitamin D for Breastfed Babies
Breastfeeding is widely recognized for its numerous health benefits, providing infants with essential nutrients and antibodies that help protect against infections and diseases. However, one critical nutrient that breastfed babies often lack is vitamin D. This vitamin plays a vital role in bone health and immune function, making its supplementation particularly important for infants who are exclusively or partially breastfed.
Why Breastfed Babies Need Vitamin D
Breast milk, while rich in many nutrients, contains very low levels of vitamin D. Research has consistently shown that breastfed infants are at a higher risk of developing vitamin D deficiency compared to their formula-fed counterparts, who typically receive adequate amounts of this vitamin through fortified formulas . The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all breastfed infants receive vitamin D supplementation to prevent deficiency, which can lead to serious health issues such as rickets, a condition characterized by weak or soft bones.
Recommendations for Supplementation
To address this deficiency, health experts recommend that breastfed infants receive a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU (10 mcg) starting shortly after birth and continuing for at least the first year of life . This supplementation is crucial because, while sunlight exposure can help the body produce vitamin D, many infants do not get sufficient sun exposure due to factors like geographic location, season, and the risk of skin cancer associated with sun exposure.
The Role of Vitamin D in Infant Health
Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone mineralization, which are critical for a growing infant. Adequate levels of vitamin D not only support bone health but also contribute to the development of a robust immune system and may even play a role in brain health. Given these benefits, ensuring that breastfed infants receive enough vitamin D is a proactive step parents can take to safeguard their child’s health.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding provides numerous benefits, it is essential for parents to recognize the need for vitamin D supplementation in breastfed infants. By adhering to the recommended guidelines, parents can help ensure their babies grow healthy and strong, minimizing the risk of vitamin D deficiency and its associated complications.

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.

How much vitamin D3 should a breastfeeding mom take?

400 to 600 IU/d
The current IOM recommendation for vitamin D intake during lactation is 400 to 600 IU/d, yet historical data suggest that this level of maternal supplementation does nothing to increase the vitamin D content of her milk8,17,53 and/or support adequate nutritional vitamin D status in her nursing infant.’);})();(function(){window.jsl.dh(‘ccBnZ5GgBIzhp84Pv6uCgQU__34′,’

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.

Can breastfeeding cause vitamin deficiency in mother?

Folate (vitamin B9) helps your body make red blood cells. While breastfeeding, your folate requirements increase — which increases your risk of a folate deficiency.

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.

What happens if I don’t give vitamin d3 to my baby?

Risks. In severe cases, low levels of vitamin D can cause rickets or osteomalacia in children. Rickets is a condition that leads to soft bones. It can cause severe bone deformities such as bowed legs and spine curves.

What if I keep forgetting to give my breastfed baby vitamin D?

You should give the drops once a day, every day. But, if you forget one day, it is all right. The vitamin D is stored in the baby and there will be enough in the baby’s body to prevent rickets.

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.

What happens if you don’t take vitamin D while breastfeeding?

Vitamin D is essential to your newborn’s health. Babies who don’t get enough vitamin D can develop Rickets. Rickets is a disease that softens your bones.

Is 2 months too late to start vitamin D drops?

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.