How much vitamin D should breastfeeding moms take?

Understanding Vitamin D Needs for Breastfeeding Mothers
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health and preventing conditions like rickets in infants. For breastfeeding mothers, ensuring adequate vitamin D levels is essential not only for their own health but also for the well-being of their infants. However, the amount of vitamin D that breastfeeding mothers should take has been a topic of considerable discussion among health professionals.
Recommended Daily Intake
Current guidelines suggest that breastfeeding mothers should aim for a daily vitamin D intake of 400 to 600 IU (International Units). This recommendation aligns with general health guidelines but has been shown to be somewhat inadequate in terms of transferring sufficient vitamin D through breast milk. Research indicates that even with this level of supplementation, the vitamin D concentration in breast milk remains low, typically less than 50 IU per quart. This means that while mothers are encouraged to take these supplements, it may not be enough to meet the needs of their exclusively breastfed infants.
The Case for Higher Doses
Some experts argue that breastfeeding mothers may need to take significantly higher doses to ensure their infants receive adequate vitamin D. A study highlighted that a daily intake of 6400 IU could safely increase maternal vitamin D levels and, consequently, the vitamin D content in breast milk. This higher dosage could potentially address the deficiencies observed in many breastfeeding infants, particularly those who do not receive any additional vitamin D supplementation.
Infant Supplementation
Given that breast milk alone is often insufficient in vitamin D, health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommend that all breastfed infants receive a daily supplement of 400 IU of vitamin D starting shortly after birth. This supplementation is crucial for preventing vitamin D deficiency in infants, especially in populations at higher risk.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding mothers are advised to take between 400 to 600 IU of vitamin D daily, emerging evidence suggests that higher doses may be necessary to ensure both maternal and infant health. It is essential for mothers to consult with healthcare providers to tailor vitamin D supplementation to their individual needs and circumstances, ensuring that both they and their infants maintain optimal health during the breastfeeding period.

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.

How much vitamin D should I take while breastfeeding?

If you choose to take vitamin D supplements, 10 micrograms (400 IU) a day is likely to be enough for most people, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, the elderly, and children aged 11 to 17 years. Children aged one to ten years should not have more than 50 micrograms (2,000 IU) a day.

Do breastfed babies really need vitamin D?

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.

Should I take 1000 or 2000 vitamin D?

The Endocrine Society in the USA recommends supplementing with a daily dose of 1000 IU for children who are over a year old and 1500–2000 IU for adults, so as to achieve a concentration of at least [25(OH)D] 75 nmol/L [48].

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.

Is it safe to take 800 IU of vitamin D daily?

The recommended daily amount of vitamin D is 400 international units (IU) for children up to age 12 months, 600 IU for people ages 1 to 70 years, and 800 IU for people over 70 years.

How much vitamin D is too much?

Generally, it’s not recommended to exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), which is 4,000 IU (100 mcg) per day. Some experts, such as the Food and Nutrition Board, suggest that even amounts less than the UL can be harmful over time.

Is 2000 IU vitamin D too high?

Mayo Clinic recommends that adults get at least the RDA of 600 IU. However, 1,000 to 2,000 IU per day of vitamin D from a supplement is generally safe, should help people achieve an adequate blood level of vitamin D, and may have additional health benefits.

Is 800 IU of vitamin D too much for a baby?

Unless under the supervision of a doctor, it’s best not to exceed the safe upper limit set by the IOM. This is 1000IU for infants up to 6 months old, 1500IU for infants 6-12 months old, 3000IU for children 4 to 8 years old, and 4000IU for those 9 years and older.

How much vitamin D do I need postpartum?

This recommendation remains the same in the Fourth Trimester and beyond so long as mama is supplementing baby with 400 IU directly. If not, mama needs at least 6,400 IU to cover needs for both herself and baby.