Daniel Hagerman, MD Pediatrics Cedar Mills Medical Group

November 24, 2010

With all the news reports about the importance of Vitamin D for the development of strong bones, new moms often ask if they should give their baby a Vitamin D supplement. My answer is, yes, if you are breastfeeding, and I hope that you are. Breastmilk is the best form of infant nutrition.

Vitamin D is important for building and maintaining healthy bones. It also serves as an important antioxidant and supports a healthy immune system. Vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets, a disease that causes weak bones and bowed legs.

Vitamin D is naturally produced with exposure to the sun. About 10 minutes of sunshine three times a week is usually all that is needed. Vitamin D deficiency is rare in the United States, however, for exclusively breastfed babies, vitamin D supplementation is recommended. Providing a Vitamin D supplement is a way to ensure your breastfed baby is getting enough Vitamin D.

The healthiest feeding option for your baby is breastmilk plus a vitamin D supplement, so your baby can get all of the other benefits of breastfeeding. You can purchase over-the-counter liquid multivitamins, such as Poly-vi-sol or D-vi-sol (Vitamin D only), which are given daily with a dropper. Formula fed babies don’t need extra Vitamin D since all infant formulas are fortified.