Babies need vitamin D and studies released in early 2010 demonstrated that most babies, whether they were breast-fed or formula-fed, weren't getting enough of the "sunshine vitamin." The findings were something of a shock for pediatricians -- and parents -- who thought only breast-fed babies were deficient. Deficiencies in vitamin D can lead to weak bones and heart problems, so doctors were quick to recommend vitamin D for all babies. The American Association of Pediatricians also raised the recommended supplement level from 200 to 400 International Units, or IU.
Vitamin D and Fatigue
Unfortunately, many parents overreacted and gave their infants more than 400 IUs. Too much vitamin D might not be quite as serious as too little vitamin D, but it produces a rash of symptoms including fatigue. So the recommended level of vitamin D won't keep your child awake, but an excess amount might put him to sleep.
Research
A study published in the journal Pediatrics, and reported by CNN in March 2010, found that about 90 percent of breast-fed babies were deficient in vitamin D. Although the numbers were better for babies who were formula-fed, only about 37 percent of the babies received a sufficient amount of vitamin D. Historically, an absence of vitamin D has been associated with rickets and weak bones. But it also has been linked to respiratory problems, chronic diseases such as type 1 diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood glucose and low levels of HDL, the good cholesterol. A second study published the same week in Pediatrics, showed that mothers of babies often were vitamin D deficient as well. Vitamin D deficiencies in adults have been linked to heart disease, cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and depression.
Overreaction
Within a few months of the publication of the studies, parents not only were upping the use of vitamin D supplements for babies, but many were going overboard. In June 2010, the Food and Drug Administration was warning parents not to give babies more than 400 IUs. Overdoses could cause a range of symptoms such as fatigue, nausea and vomiting, excessive thirst, abdominal pain, joint and muscle pain, and confusion. So the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended 400 IUs -- and no more than that 400 IUs.
Considerations
If you are pregnant or the mother of an infant, talk with your doctor about vitamin D supplements for you, your baby and the other members of your family. In terms of getting your baby to sleep at night, MayoClinic.com suggests following the same bedtime routine; putting the baby in his crib at the same time every night; and taking toys out of the crib. A pacifier might put your baby to sleep sooner and help prevent sudden infant death syndrome at the same time.
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