Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin as sunlight exposure triggers the synthesis of the vitamin in the body. There are limited natural food sources for vitamin D. The recommended dose for infants is 400 IU per day. Exceeding the recommendation for vitamin D intake can cause problems such as kidney stones, fatigue, fractures or muscle pain.
Vitamin D for Infants
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for skeletal formation and bone strengthening. Unborn babies get vitamin D stores from their mothers and, after birth, largely produce the vitamin through sunlight exposure. For breast-fed infants, vitamin D levels may decrease around 6 months of age, but with normal exposure to sunlight levels are usually maintained. Infant formulas are typically enriched with vitamin D. This does not imply, however, that formula feeding is recommended as breast milk provides far more benefits. It is important to remember that humans are meant to produce vitamin D naturally through sunlight exposure, not through diet alone.
Sunlight
Within 5 to 15 minutes of sun exposure, the body produces vitamin D. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies younger than 6 months not be exposed to direct sunlight to prevent skin damage. They promote sunscreen use for all babies and children, though this will prevent vitamin D synthesis. Therefore, infants should only be exposed to indirect sunlight in short amounts during the day; this is adequate to maintain vitamin D levels.
Food Sources
Very limited food sources provide vitamin D naturally. Eating fatty fish can provide natural sources of vitamin D. It is present in tuna, salmon, as well as beef liver. Butter, margarine, milk, orange juice and some cereals are fortified with vitamin D. Many infants do not eat these foods since breast milk or formula are the primary sources of nutrition in the first year of life. Therefore, indirect sunlight exposure is the best way to ensure adequate vitamin D levels for infants.
Recommended Intake Infants
The recommended intake of vitamin D for infants is 400 IU per day. It may be harmful to consume excessive amounts of this vitamin, so never give your infant a supplement without a doctor's guidance. If you have a breast-feeding infant, talk with your doctor about a vitamin D supplement or discuss sun exposure. Infants who receive formula are likely getting adequate amounts since it is fortified with vitamin D.
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