Vitamin D is a type of fat-soluble vitamin that is important for the health of bones as well as stimulation of the body's immune system. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children over the age of two months have an intake of 200 international units, or IU, of vitamin D daily. The body stores vitamin D for use when needed and the skin also produces the vitamin by absorbing sunlight.
Causes
The most common cause of vitamin D deficiency is reduced sun exposure, which may occur among babies who stay indoors most of the time or who live in climates with reduced sunlight. According to Merck, there are other situations that may cause vitamin D deficiency among infants, including excessive sunscreen use; infants with malabsorption problems and infants with kidney disease.
Sunlight
The skin damage that occurs from overexposure to ultraviolet rays prods many people to wear sunscreen and apply it to their child's skin, but sunscreen prevents the body from making vitamin D. Skin with higher levels of pigmentation is also slower to create vitamin D from sunlight, so babies with dark skin are at greater risk of deficiency. Decreased sun exposure may also occur in parts of the country that have long winter seasons or high levels of air pollution.
Feedings
Infants that are exclusively breastfeeding may develop vitamin D deficiency, as breast milk does not contain enough of the vitamin. Because it can be difficult to determine what amount of sunlight is adequate to maintain vitamin D levels, infants who exclusively breastfeed should begin vitamin D supplements after two months. Infants who take formula as a sole source of food should be receiving adequate amounts of vitamin D daily; as standards for formula preparation require at least 258 IU per liter.
Rickets
Severe vitamin D deficiency may cause a condition called rickets, which leads to softening of the bones. Lack of vitamin D triggers the body to send calcium from the bones into the bloodstream to maintain stable serum levels. A baby's bones may become weak or soft, and she may have bone pain. Other symptoms of rickets include tooth deformities, growth delays, muscle cramps, bowed legs and curvature of the spine. Most of the problems with the condition can be corrected with replacing vitamin D, phosphorus and calcium in the diet.
Prevention
Prevention of vitamin D deficiency involves adequate sunlight and dietary intake of the vitamin. If you live in a climate with reduced sun or are otherwise unable to increase sun exposure, ask your doctor if giving vitamin D supplements is necessary for your baby. A doctor may prescribe a pediatric supplement to give in small amounts. Cow's milk is fortified with vitamin D, but not all dairy products are, so read labels to recognize which products have extra vitamins. Other dietary sources of vitamin D for babies include fortified cereals and eggs.
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