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How much vitamin D should I take to pass through breast milk?

Understanding Vitamin D Supplementation for Breastfeeding Mothers
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the health of both mothers and their infants, particularly during breastfeeding. The amount of vitamin D that a breastfeeding mother should take to ensure adequate levels in her breast milk is a topic of significant interest and research.
Recommended Dosage for Mothers
Current guidelines suggest that breastfeeding mothers should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement of 10 to 50 micrograms (mcg), which translates to approximately 400 to 2,000 International Units (IU). However, this range may not be sufficient to meet the needs of exclusively breastfed infants. Studies indicate that even at these supplementation levels, the concentration of vitamin D in breast milk remains inadequate to fulfill the daily requirements of an exclusively breastfed infant.
To effectively provide sufficient vitamin D through breast milk, research has shown that mothers may need to increase their intake significantly. Specifically, a daily supplementation of 6,400 IU has been found to adequately supply breast milk with enough vitamin D to meet the needs of nursing infants, potentially eliminating the need for direct supplementation for the baby.
Importance of Vitamin D for Infants
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfed infants receive 400 IU of vitamin D daily starting in the first few days of life. This is crucial because breast milk typically contains only about 5 to 80 IU of vitamin D per liter, which is insufficient for an infant’s needs. Vitamin D is essential for bone health and immune function, and its deficiency can lead to serious health issues, including rickets.
Conclusion
In summary, while a baseline supplementation of 10 to 50 mcg (400 to 2,000 IU) is commonly recommended for breastfeeding mothers, those looking to ensure their infants receive adequate vitamin D through breast milk may need to consider higher doses, such as 6,400 IU per day. This approach not only supports the mother’s health but also provides the necessary nutrients for the developing infant, thereby promoting overall well-being during this critical period.

What is the fastest way to absorb vitamin D?

What helps Vitamin D absorption? Keep in mind that Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it’s best absorbed in the bloodstream in the presence of dietary fat. So, if you’re taking your Vitamin D supplement at breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you can pair it with a food containing healthy fat.

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.

Can you absorb vitamin D through milk?

Drinking vitamin D milk increases the amount of vitamin D people get and improves levels of vitamin D in the blood ( 5 ).

How many mL is 400 IU of vitamin D?

1 mL
Some brands of liquid vitamin D give the dose in “mL” (for example, 400 IU = 1 mL), while others give the dose in drops (for example, 400 IU = 1 drop).’);})();(function(){window.jsl.dh(‘bDZoZ7nZIty45OUPj8vHsQU__24′,’

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.

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.

Can I put vitamin D drops in breast milk?

Mix vitamin D drops with expressed breastmilk in a bottle. (It can also be added to formula if babies have lower amounts of formula.) Put the drop directly on your nipple before breastfeeding. This works best if the dose is more highly concentrated and only requires a drop or two.

Can I take 5000 IU of vitamin D3 while breastfeeding?

Vitamin D loading doses of up to 300,000 units given over 6–10 weeks can be used during breastfeeding for rapid treatment. Infant monitoring is required. Long term maintenance doses up to 4000 units daily can also be used during breastfeeding but do not require any infant monitoring.

Can moms pass vitamin D through breastmilk?

With appropriate vitamin D intake, the lactating mother can fully transfer from her blood to her milk the vitamin D required to sustain optimal vitamin D nutrition in the nursing infant with no additional supplementation required for the infant.

Is it better to take 400 or 1000 IU of vitamin D?

It’s recommended that everyone take a supplement containing 10 micrograms (10 μg, equivalent to 400 IU) of vitamin D daily in autumn and winter. More than this is not necessary, and is likely to be more expensive, but you can safely take up to 25 micrograms if that’s the size you can find.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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