Vitamin D for Breast Fed Infants

The major source for vitamin D is sunlight. Breast fed infants get vitamin D from their mother's breast milk. There is an increasing body of evidence revealing many mothers (and other adults) are vitamin D deficient.

For several years, the AAP has recommend vitamin D supplementation in exclusively breast fed infants. Initially, I resisted these recommendations for two main reasons:
1.) I live and practice in the Sunshine state
2.) I tend to believe that breast milk is perfect. (Though I admit the mankind could even mess that one up.)

These recommendations remain frustrating as experts disagree on the need for vitamin D and there are currently no established “normal” ranges for young children. I cannot assess a newborn’s individual need for vitamin D.

When considering supplementation parents need to factor in the mother’s vitamin D exposure. Do you get regular sun exposure? Vitamin D deficiency in newborns occurs because mothers are not getting enough vitamin D themselves.

As the evidence continues to mount and after consulting a local pediatric endocrinologist, I am forced to reconsider my recommendations. As a general rule, mothers who exclusively breast feed should supplement with vitamin D.

see How long on Vitamin D?

Updated July 2010 by
Dr. Gordon, Windermere Pediatrician