Is vitamin D transferred in breast milk?

The Role of Vitamin D in Breast Milk
Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient for infants, playing a significant role in bone health and immune function. However, the transfer of vitamin D through breast milk has been a topic of considerable discussion among healthcare professionals and researchers.
Vitamin D Content in Breast Milk
Breast milk does contain vitamin D, primarily in the forms of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). However, the concentration of vitamin D in breast milk is generally insufficient to meet the daily requirements of exclusively breastfed infants. Studies indicate that even with maternal supplementation of vitamin D, the levels in breast milk often fall short of what is necessary for optimal infant health . For instance, it has been reported that exclusively breastfed infants receive less than 20% of the daily recommended dose of vitamin D during their first year of life.
Implications for Breastfeeding Infants
Given the limited transfer of vitamin D through breast milk, health authorities recommend that breastfed infants receive additional vitamin D supplementation. This is particularly important for infants who have limited sun exposure, as vitamin D is also synthesized in the skin through sunlight. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the need for vitamin D supplementation for breastfed infants to prevent deficiencies, which can lead to conditions such as rickets.
Maternal Vitamin D Levels and Milk Transfer
Interestingly, while maternal vitamin D levels can influence the amount of vitamin D in breast milk, the relationship is not straightforward. Research shows that while circulating vitamin D can access human milk, the transfer of 25(OH)D (the main circulating form of vitamin D) does not occur as effectively. This means that even if a lactating mother has high levels of vitamin D, it does not guarantee that her breast milk will contain adequate amounts for her infant.
Conclusion
In summary, while vitamin D is indeed present in breast milk, the levels are typically inadequate to meet the needs of breastfed infants. Therefore, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to consider vitamin D supplementation for their infants, especially in cases where sunlight exposure is limited. This proactive approach can help ensure that infants receive the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development.

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.

Can breastfed babies get vitamin D from the sun?

While the sun is a source of vitamin D, the benefits do not outweigh the risks of exposing your baby to harmful UV rays. Babies under 6 months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight, and older babies should always use a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays.

Do babies really need vitamin D drops?

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 mom pass vitamin D through breast milk?

Since vitamin D doesn’t pass through breastmilk at normal rates confused by the mother, infants need some sort of supplementation for it. This can be done by giving baby vitamin D directly, having baby spend a certain amount of time outside, or by the mother taking a fairly large dose of vitamin D.

What happens if you forget to give breastfed baby vitamin D?

Especially in the early months, you may forget to give your baby vitamin D. This is not bad as long as it doesn’t happen constantly. However, if it does happen, the little one should not be given a double dose, but the normal dose should be continued.

Do babies get enough vitamin D from milk?

Breast milk is the best type of food for babies, but it does not contain much vitamin D. A baby will get their initial store of vitamin D from their mother; so, they are at risk of low vitamin D if their mother has low vitamin D and/or if they have dark skin.

What if I forgot to give my breastfed baby vitamin D?

Especially in the early months, you may forget to give your baby vitamin D. This is not bad as long as it doesn’t happen constantly. However, if it does happen, the little one should not be given a double dose, but the normal dose should be continued.

Do newborns really need vitamin D drops?

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.

How common is vitamin D deficiency in breastfed babies?

Results: Vitamin D deficiency was found in 66.7 per cent of infants and 81.1 per cent of mothers; and insufficiency in an additional 19.8 per cent of infants and 11.6 per cent of mothers.

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 ).