Vitamin D deficiency in breastfed infants & the need for routine vitamin D supplementation
2011
Vitamin D Deficiency in Breastfed Infants and the Need for Supplementation
Commentary
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Balasubramanian S.
Primary Institution: Kanchi Kamakoti CHILDS Trust Hospital
Hypothesis
Is routine vitamin D supplementation necessary for breastfed infants to prevent deficiency?
Conclusion
Breastfed infants are at high risk of vitamin D deficiency, and routine supplementation is recommended.
Supporting Evidence
- Vitamin D deficiency and infantile rickets are major public health challenges.
- Breast milk has very low levels of vitamin D, which is significant for newborns.
- Maternal vitamin D status affects the vitamin D status of the infant.
Takeaway
Breastfed babies need extra vitamin D because breast milk doesn't have enough of it, and they might get sick without it.
Limitations
There is no consensus on the optimal dosage of vitamin D for pregnant women and no robust evidence for a supplementation program.
Participant Demographics
Healthy term breastfed 3-month-old infants and their mothers in India.
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