Vitamin D is a nutrient that is essential for calcium absorption in the body. It occurs naturally in very few foods, such as fatty fish, fish oils and egg yolks. Exposure to sunlight also can trigger the synthesis of vitamin D in the body. Infants and babies that consume only breast milk or have limited exposure to sunlight are at risk of vitamin D deficiency. In such cases, vitamin D syrup can be a convenient option to meet the recommended intake.
Prevents Diseases
In addition to calcium, vitamin D helps the body in the efficient use of phosphorus, another nutrient that is essential to bone health. Vitamin D is crucial to the growth of healthy bones and teeth and prevents diseases such as osteoporosis and osteomalacia in adults. Among children, it prevents the development of rickets, a disease that results in deformed, soft bones and skeletal problems. In the absence of adequate vitamin D, babies might develop these diseases early in life or in adulthood.
Essential Supplement for Breastfed Babies
Breastfed babies can develop vitamin D deficiency because human milk does not contain adequate levels of this nutrient. Babies are more at risk of vitamin D deficiency if their mothers are deficient. Mothers who eat a well-balanced diet that provides adequate levels of vitamin D might have greater amounts of the nutrient in their breast milk, but the amount of vitamin D that passes on to the breast milk is unlikely to meet the breastfeeding infant’s daily requirement.
Alternative to Direct Sun Exposure
While direct exposure to sunlight can stimulate the production of vitamin D in babies, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against it because of the risk of skin cancer. The AAP recommends the use of sunscreen and clothing to protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays, but sunscreen and clothing can significantly lower vitamin D synthesis from sunlight. Babies who have darker skin or live in northern areas with limited sunlight also are likely to develop vitamin D deficiency because the body cannot synthesize sufficient amounts of the nutrient through exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D syrup is the safe and effective alternative for supplementation in these cases.
Convenient Dietary Option
It can be challenging to meet a baby’s requirements for vitamin D by relying on food sources or breast milk. Giving your baby the correct daily dosage of vitamin D syrup is the easiest way to ensure that he does not develop a deficiency. The AAP recommends a daily dosage of 400 international units of vitamin D supplements in infants and babies who consume breast milk exclusively. If your baby is drinking vitamin D-fortified formula or milk, consult your pediatrician before giving your baby supplements. Avoid exceeding the recommended dosage by carefully using the marked dropper provided with the syrup bottle.
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