Why do breastfed babies rarely suffer from rickets?

Understanding Rickets in Breastfed Babies
Rickets, a condition characterized by the softening and weakening of bones in children, is primarily caused by a deficiency in vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. While breastfed infants are often perceived as being at risk for this condition, the reality is more nuanced.
The Role of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is widely recognized for its numerous health benefits, including providing essential nutrients and antibodies that help protect infants from infections and diseases. However, breast milk alone may not provide sufficient levels of vitamin D, particularly in infants who have limited exposure to sunlight. This is crucial because vitamin D plays a vital role in calcium absorption and bone health.
According to health experts, while breastfeeding is beneficial, it is recommended that breastfed infants receive vitamin D supplements to prevent rickets and vitamin D deficiency. The American Academy of Pediatrics has emphasized this point, suggesting that exclusive breastfeeding without supplementation can lead to deficiencies, especially in populations with limited sunlight exposure.
Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Implications
Recent studies have highlighted a concerning trend: the re-emergence of vitamin D deficiency and rickets among breastfed infants who do not receive adequate sunlight exposure or vitamin D supplementation. This deficiency is particularly pronounced in regions with long winters or in families that practice strict indoor lifestyles.
Despite these risks, many breastfed babies do not suffer from rickets, largely due to the proactive measures taken by parents and healthcare providers. For instance, in areas where sunlight is scarce, parents are often advised to ensure their infants receive the necessary vitamin D through supplements. This preventive approach has been effective in reducing the incidence of rickets among breastfed infants.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfed babies can be at risk for rickets due to potential vitamin D deficiency, the implementation of vitamin D supplementation has significantly mitigated this risk. Awareness and education about the importance of vitamin D for bone health are crucial in ensuring that breastfed infants thrive without the threat of rickets. As healthcare recommendations evolve, the focus remains on balancing the benefits of breastfeeding with the need for adequate vitamin D intake to support healthy growth and development.

Do breastfed babies have stronger immune systems?

Research suggests that breastfeeding lowers your baby’s risk of certain diseases and helps build a strong immune system.

Why are breastfed babies less likely to contract infectious diseases?

Given the dynamic nature of the immunologic benefits of breast milk, continuation of breastfeeding at the time of diagnosis or illness in a mother can provide the infant protection rather than continued exposure in most illnesses.

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.

Do breastfed babies get rickets?

Unless they receive vitamin supplements, breast-fed dark-skinned infants are at risk for rickets.

Why are rickets uncommon?

Rickets caused by a lack of these minerals in the diet is rare in developed countries. Calcium and phosphorous are found in milk and green vegetables. Your genes may increase your risk for rickets.

How did babies get vitamin D before drops?

After birth, vitamin D can be obtained by the infant through mother’s milk (0.5-1.8 micrograms per liter), and through supplements (1). Vitamin D can also be made in the infant’s skin when exposed to ultraviolet beta solar radiation (4).

Does milk prevent rickets?

Drinking milk that contains both calcium and vitamin D is recommended as a way to strengthen your bones and prevent rickets and osteomalacia ( 8 ).

How long do babies need to be outside to get enough vitamin D?

15 to 30 minutes
Vitamin D gets into the body through absorption of sunlight and ingestion of food. From April through the end of October, spending just 15 to 30 minutes outside in the middle of the day with hands and face exposed will stimulate the skin to make all the vitamin D your child needs.

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.

Why are breastfed babies resistant to disease?

Human milk protects against infections in the breastfed offspring mainly via the secretory IgA antibodies, but also most likely via several other factors like the bactericidal lactoferrin.