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- Do breastfed babies really need vitamin D drops?
- When did pediatricians start recommending vitamin D drops?
- When did they start adding vitamin D to milk?
- Which countries add vitamin D to milk?
- What if I forgot to give my baby vitamin D drops?
- What happens if you forget to give breastfed baby vitamin D?
- How common are rickets in breastfed babies?
- When did vitamin D deficiency start?
- When did AAP start recommending vitamin D?
- When did breastfed babies start getting vitamin D?
The Recommendation for Vitamin D in Breastfed Babies
The recommendation for vitamin D supplementation in breastfed infants has evolved significantly over the years, primarily due to growing awareness of the nutritional inadequacies of breast milk regarding this essential vitamin.
Historical Context and Current Guidelines
Historically, the understanding of vitamin D’s role in infant health has changed. In 2008, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) made a pivotal update to its guidelines, recommending that all breastfed infants receive a daily supplement of 400 International Units (IU) of vitamin D starting within the first few days of life. This recommendation was largely driven by evidence indicating that breast milk alone does not provide sufficient vitamin D to meet an infant’s needs, particularly for bone health and to prevent conditions like rickets.
Why Vitamin D is Essential
Vitamin D is crucial for the development of strong bones and overall health. It helps the body absorb calcium, which is vital for bone growth. Breastfed infants are at a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency because breast milk typically contains low levels of this vitamin. This is especially true for infants whose mothers may have limited sun exposure or darker skin pigmentation, which can affect vitamin D synthesis.
Implementation of Recommendations
The AAP’s 2008 guidelines have been widely adopted, and healthcare providers now routinely advise parents of breastfed infants to begin vitamin D supplementation shortly after birth. This practice aims to ensure that infants receive adequate vitamin D until they can consume fortified foods or whole milk, which typically occurs around their first birthday.
In summary, the recommendation for vitamin D supplementation in breastfed babies began to gain formal recognition in the late 20th century, culminating in the 2008 guidelines from the AAP. These guidelines reflect a broader understanding of infant nutrition and the importance of preventing vitamin D deficiency from an early age.
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.
When did pediatricians start recommending vitamin D drops?
Consequently, the AAP issued an updated recommendation in 2008 that all infants, children, and adolescents receive a minimum of 400 IU of vitamin D daily through diet or supplements. Infants who are formula-fed exclusively will most likely have an adequate level of vitamin D.
When did they start adding vitamin D to milk?
1930s
In the 1930s, the United States began to fortify milk with vitamin D in an effort to eradicate rickets. The disease — caused by vitamin D deficiency that softens and weakens the bones — was rampant at the time among poor children, particularly in northern U.S. cities.’);})();(function(){window.jsl.dh(‘RMBnZ6jAC4KJwPAP17e3oQM__27′,’
Which countries add vitamin D to milk?
Table 1.
| Country | Vitamin D-Fortified Milk Products | Type of Fortification |
|---|---|---|
| Norway [8] | extra low-fat milk (also lactose free) | voluntary |
| Sweden [9,10] | low-fat milk (max 1.5% fat) | mandatory |
| Canada [11] | milk | mandatory |
| United States [12] | fluid milk (also acidified milk and cultured milk), yoghurt | voluntary ‡ |
What if I forgot to give my baby vitamin D drops?
How often do I give the vitamin D drops? 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 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.
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.
When did vitamin D deficiency start?
It began in the early 1600s with the first descriptions of the human deficiency disease: rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
When did AAP start recommending vitamin D?
The 2003 AAP statement recommended supplements of 200 IU of vitamin D per day to all breastfed infants within the first 2 months of life, after breastfeeding was well established. This was in agreement with a 1997 report from the Institute of Medicine.
When did breastfed babies start getting vitamin D?
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.
