11/19/2020
Let’s talk Vitamin D!!!!
•If you have a newborn, more than likely your physician or midwife has mentioned Vitamin D supplementation. Why? Because Vitamin D is sooo important for the developing infant. It is responsible for helping the body absorb calcium and balance the components essential for mineralization of the bones. Not only that, but Vitamin D plays a hefty role in immune function, mood, metabolism and the prevention of inflammation. There are even some studies suggesting it could protect against the novel coronavirus!
• The best place to get Vitamin is actually sunlight, but unfortunately it is not safe for babies to expose their skin to direct sun (arguably adults as well! Don’t forget hats, sunglasses and sunscreen!). There are also some limited food options, but newborns can’t have those either! So where do babies get vitamin D? Milk!
• The US requires that formula be supplemented with Vitamin D to meet at least the majority of the recommended dose for infants; however, studies looking at levels of Vitamin D in breastmilk have found inadequate amounts (as low as 25IU/L).
• There are two ways you can optimize Vitamin D levels in your newborn.
1) give your baby drops directly, 400IU/day or
2) take a “mega-dose” of vitamin D (6400IU/day) yourself.
• Whichever route you decide take, be sure to consult a medical professional!!!! This is only general education and advice. There are some medical conditions in which high doses of Vitamin D may be contraindicated, or in which a different, prescription form of Vitamin D may be required!
•Swipe to check out some of our favorite Vitamin D brands for both infants and children!!! For children age 1-13 years old, the recommendation is 600-800 IU/Day.
I also have a slide with some common nutritional sources!