Vitamin D Supplementation for Infants
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin necessary for regulating calcium and phosphorus absorption. It plays an
important role in normal bone growth and function. New findings suggest that adequate vitamin D status in
people during pregnancy and in their infants may have lifetime implications. These findings modify our knowledge
and understanding of vitamin D metabolism, our basis for diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency and our recommendations
for supplementation.
Sunlight is the main source of vitamin D. The skin converts the ultraviolet B fraction from sunlight into vitamin D.
Term infants are born with the same, or slightly lower, levels of vitamin D as the birthing parent. If adequate, these stores
may last the baby approximately 2 months. Compared to the recommended average daily intake level of vitamin D, human
milk contains small amounts of vitamin D. Formulas are fortified with Vitamin D.
Vitamin D Deficiency:
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets, a chronic childhood bone disease resulting from inadequately mineralized
bones and leading to bowed legs and deformities of the pelvis, skull, and rib cage. Newer research suggests that vitamin
D may be important in the prevention against the development of other diseases.
Babies at Risk for Vitamin D Deficiency are Those Who:
● Have limited exposure to sunlight. This includes those who live in northern communities, have darker skin,
use sunscreen and/or completely cover skin when outdoors.
● Get low amounts of vitamin D in their diet. This includes those who are exclusively breast/chest fed, especially
if the lactating parent is also vitamin D deficient.
● Very low birth weight infants, and those with some chronic diseases
Health Canada Recommendation:
“It is recommended that all breastfed, healthy term infants in Canada receive a daily vitamin D supplement
of 10μg (400IU). Supplementation should begin at birth and continue until the infant’s diet includes at least
10μg (400IU) per day of vitamin D from other dietary sources or until the breastfed infant reaches one year of age.”
Safety of Vitamin D Supplementation:
Like many supplements, if taken in excessive amounts, toxicity could result. Because vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, pregnant people and their infants should not exceed the recommended amount. It is important to note that although formula fed babies do not need additional vitamin D supplementation, breast/chest feeding provides the best nutrition possible to your baby. Formula feeding increases the risk of SIDS, gastrointestinal and respiratory infection, ear infection, diarrhea and constipation, allergies, and suboptimal cognitive development.
Additional resources:
https://www.cps.ca/en/documents/position/vitamin-d
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin necessary for regulating calcium and phosphorus absorption. It plays an
important role in normal bone growth and function. New findings suggest that adequate vitamin D status in
people during pregnancy and in their infants may have lifetime implications. These findings modify our knowledge
and understanding of vitamin D metabolism, our basis for diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency and our recommendations
for supplementation.
Sunlight is the main source of vitamin D. The skin converts the ultraviolet B fraction from sunlight into vitamin D.
Term infants are born with the same, or slightly lower, levels of vitamin D as the birthing parent. If adequate, these stores
may last the baby approximately 2 months. Compared to the recommended average daily intake level of vitamin D, human
milk contains small amounts of vitamin D. Formulas are fortified with Vitamin D.
Vitamin D Deficiency:
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets, a chronic childhood bone disease resulting from inadequately mineralized
bones and leading to bowed legs and deformities of the pelvis, skull, and rib cage. Newer research suggests that vitamin
D may be important in the prevention against the development of other diseases.
Babies at Risk for Vitamin D Deficiency are Those Who:
● Have limited exposure to sunlight. This includes those who live in northern communities, have darker skin,
use sunscreen and/or completely cover skin when outdoors.
● Get low amounts of vitamin D in their diet. This includes those who are exclusively breast/chest fed, especially
if the lactating parent is also vitamin D deficient.
● Very low birth weight infants, and those with some chronic diseases
Health Canada Recommendation:
“It is recommended that all breastfed, healthy term infants in Canada receive a daily vitamin D supplement
of 10μg (400IU). Supplementation should begin at birth and continue until the infant’s diet includes at least
10μg (400IU) per day of vitamin D from other dietary sources or until the breastfed infant reaches one year of age.”
Safety of Vitamin D Supplementation:
Like many supplements, if taken in excessive amounts, toxicity could result. Because vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, pregnant people and their infants should not exceed the recommended amount. It is important to note that although formula fed babies do not need additional vitamin D supplementation, breast/chest feeding provides the best nutrition possible to your baby. Formula feeding increases the risk of SIDS, gastrointestinal and respiratory infection, ear infection, diarrhea and constipation, allergies, and suboptimal cognitive development.
Additional resources:
https://www.cps.ca/en/documents/position/vitamin-d
