Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium and the development of healthy bones. The vitamin is particularly critical for the rapid skeletal growth that occurs in infancy. Vitamin D deficiency in infants is a preventable condition. However, this problem continues to affect babies in the United States and other developed nations. In response, the American Academy of Pediatrics has revised its recommendations on supplementation for breastfed infants.
Deficiency
A deficiency in vitamin D may affect calcium absorption, bone growth and bone mineralization. Rickets is a bone disease that may result from vitamin D deficiency. The signs of rickets include pain in the spine, pelvis and legs, as well as growth delays and muscle weakness. If left untreated, rickets causes skeletal deformations including bowed legs, wide ankles, curved spine and ribs and large forehead. Low vitamin D may also cause problems with tooth formation, leading to cavities.
Risk Factors
Your body makes vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. Infants living in high latitudes are at a higher risk of developing a deficiency, especially during winter months. Darker skin absorbs less of the wavelengths needed to produce vitamin D. Infants with darker skin have a higher incidence of rickets and vitamin D deficiency. It is important to note that according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, all infants younger than 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight and protective clothing should be used when infants are outdoors. This means that parents cannot rely on sunlight exposure to meet their babies' vitamin D needs, so supplements are necessary.
Amounts
Human breast milk contains low amounts of vitamin D. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfed and partially breastfed babies begin receiving 400 International Units of vitamin D in the first few days of life. All infant formula sold in the United States contains vitamin D and no additional supplement is needed if your baby drinks formula exclusively.
Age
At 12 months of age, infants may begin drinking whole milk that is fortified with vitamin D. When your baby is drinking 1 liter of fortified milk per day, he no longer needs the supplemental vitamin D. Before 12 months, a breastfeeding baby may be weaned to vitamin-D-supplemented formula. Do not give whole milk to infants under 12 months. If you have questions about your child's vitamin D intake, talk to your pediatrician.
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