Vitamin D is particularly effective in improving the body’s immune system responses and should be supplemented in your infant’s diet to ensure they have the best fighting chance to ward off diseases and illnesses. Vitamin D deficiency can be a major problem in infants since it can lead to brittle bones and other growth problems, which is something to avoid at all costs. We explore whether it’s important for infants to consume vitamin D supplements.
Does Breastfeeding Not Provide Enough Vitamins?
Many mothers have heard that the best diet for babies is breast milk, and that is not wrong because breast milk contains a lot of essential nutrients needed for a growing baby. Research has indicated that breast milk does not have enough vitamin D, which means that during your infant’s early stages of life, it is vitally important to use vitamin D drops as a supplement.
You may choose an infant formula containing vitamin D, but that may not be enough for younger babies since many doctors have revealed that infants do not consume enough formula in the first few months of their life. For this reason, you can add vitamin D drops to their diet to ensure their immune system is functioning optimally.
Can Mothers Increase The Vitamin D Levels In Breast Milk?
Some studies have shown that if mothers consume at least 6400 IU of vitamin D per day, their breast milk will have higher concentrations of vitamin D. This is an alternative route to take if you don’t want to supplement vitamin D in your baby’s diet.
Mothers should consult their doctors to discuss whether they should go down this route and if it’s the right option to take since you cannot measure the vitamin D levels in your breast milk every day. Those that don’t want to take the risk of their baby developing a vitamin D deficiency, may want to stick to supplements since it guarantees that the baby has ingested vitamin D.
What Are The Vitamin D Requirements For Growing Babies?
Many reputable sources and authorities have confirmed that babies need 400 IU of vitamin D per day, which is the typical dose of vitamin D supplements for babies. You will want to look at the label before buying these drops since the concentration can vary according to different brands, making it important for you to do some research beforehand.
If you’re unsure whether the brand is safe, you should consult your infant’s pediatrician for better guidance in choosing the right supplement for your baby’s needs. You will also want to follow the dosing instructions carefully since you do not want to give too much or too little, resulting in potential problems.
Final Notes
Vitamin D deficiencies can result in a disease called rickets, which is very difficult for your baby to go through in its early years and can cause growth problems, which is why mothers and families should always prioritize a healthy diet full of essential nutrients. The safe option is to supplement vitamin D drops in your infant’s diet instead of exposing them to the sun since UV rays can damage the skin.
