Organic vitamins are superior to synthetic vitamins which may contain fillers, sugars, dyes and even animal by-products. The best option is an organic vitamin made from whole food-based sources. Supplements may be necessary even if your infant is breastfeeding, or eating a varied diet of healthy organic foods, especially for iron and Vitamin D.
Whole Food Vitamins
Vitamins are complex with many components all dependent on each other. Isolating and synthesizing specific components, which is what most pharmaceutical companies do when making vitamins, aren't absorbed by the body in the same way that the whole vitamin would be. Choose organic whole food vitamins for the best bio-availability.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for building strong bones and infants need at least 400 IU of Vitamin D3, the active form of Vitamin D. It is one of the few supplements the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends for breastfed infants, because Vitamin D does not pass from mother to child in breast milk. Vitamin D is available in liquid drops made from whole food sources such as salmon, shrimp, eggs or milk.
Iron
Iron carries oxygen in red blood cells through out the body. An infant grows so fast that his blood volume significantly increases and he runs the risk of anemia without iron supplementation. Iron fortified rice cereal is often a first food for infants to help fight anemia. Infants with anemia may have developmental delays and lack energy, can be irritable or have behavioral problems. Vitamin C aids in the absorption of iron, while too much calcium can block iron absorption, so do not give iron supplements with cow's milk.
Consult With Your Pediatrician
Every child is unique and develops at his own rate. There are many factors to consider before giving your infant organic vitamins. Was your baby born prematurely? Were there any complications at birth? Is your infant breast fed or formula fed? Your pediatrician can help you decide what type of supplementation your baby needs to thrive.
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