How to add vitamin D to breast milk?

Understanding Vitamin D in Breast Milk
Vitamin D is crucial for the healthy development of infants, particularly for bone health and the prevention of rickets. However, human breast milk is naturally low in vitamin D, which raises concerns for exclusively breastfed infants who may not receive adequate amounts of this essential nutrient. This situation has led to discussions about how to effectively increase vitamin D levels in breast milk.
Maternal Supplementation: A Key Strategy
Research indicates that maternal supplementation can significantly enhance the vitamin D content of breast milk. Studies have shown that when mothers take higher doses of vitamin D, particularly in the range of 4,000 to 8,500 IU daily, the levels of vitamin D in their milk can reach sufficient levels to meet the needs of their infants . This approach not only helps in providing the necessary vitamin D through breast milk but also offers an alternative to direct infant supplementation.
For instance, a study highlighted that mothers who supplemented with 6,400 IU per day could supply their breast milk with adequate vitamin D to satisfy their nursing infants’ requirements. However, it is important to note that lower doses, such as the commonly recommended 400 to 600 IU per day, may not significantly increase the vitamin D levels in breast milk.
Direct Supplementation for Infants
In addition to maternal supplementation, it is also recommended that exclusively breastfed infants receive daily vitamin D drops. The typical dosage suggested is between 8.5 to 10 mcg (or 340 to 400 IU) per day. This ensures that infants receive enough vitamin D, especially since breast milk alone may not provide sufficient amounts.
Conclusion
In summary, to effectively add vitamin D to breast milk, mothers should consider high-dose vitamin D supplementation while breastfeeding. This strategy not only enhances the nutrient content of their milk but also supports the overall health of their infants. Additionally, providing infants with direct vitamin D supplements remains a crucial practice to prevent deficiencies. As always, it is advisable for mothers to consult healthcare professionals before starting any supplementation regimen to ensure safety and appropriateness for their individual circumstances.

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 is the best vitamin D supplement for breastfeeding moms?

This supplement should be cholecalciferol, vitamin D3, because of superior absorption unless a vegetable source such as ergocaliferol vitamin D2, is desired. … Vitamin D also may be delivered adequately through human milk.”

Can you put vitamin D drops in pumped breast milk?

Yes, give your baby D-Drops as long as their you’re breastfeeding/pumping and even when you’re supplementing with formula.

How to increase vitamin D in breast milk?

Vitamin D activity in “normal” lactating women’s milk is known to be in the range of 5 to 80 IU/L depending on the method of assay1,5,6; however, the vitamin D content of human milk can be greatly increased by maternal oral vitamin D supplementation and/or increasing solar exposure of the mother.

Can you put vitamin D drops in a baby’s bottle?

Mix a single drop in with your baby’s food, milk or formula, or place a drop on the nipple of a bottle or pacifier. That’s it — once you have done that, store the bottle in a dry, cool place until the next day. Vitamin D is essential to your infant’s growth and development and his or her overall health.

What happens if a breastfed baby doesn’t get vitamin D?

While breast milk is the best source of nutrients for babies, it likely won’t give them enough vitamin D. Too little vitamin D can cause a softening and weakening of bones called rickets. The sun is a good source of vitamin D.

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).

What is the best way to give baby vitamin D drops?

Check the label on your vitamin D3 supplement for the number of drops or amount of liquid you need to give your baby. Read the instructions each time. You may need to give your baby the supplement in a different way with each new brand. Give your baby the correct dose directly into their mouth.

What if I forgot to give my baby vitamin D drops for a day?

You should give the drops once a day, every day. But, if you forget one day, it is all right.

How is vitamin D added to milk?

Vitamin D is added directly to the incoming raw milk (i.e., tank truck) in some situations. This is not the preferred method of addition and processors who use this procedure should perform confirmatory assays to ensure proper fortification levels of each product.