As the days grow shorter, babies need more Vitamin D

News Release
NWHU

Does My Baby Need a Vitamin D Supplement?
If your baby is breastfed, the answer is yes. It is recommended that all breastfed, healthy term infants receive a daily vitamin D supplement.

Why is vitamin D important?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that functions as a hormone in your body. Vitamin D is important for your baby’s healthy growth and development. It works with calcium to build strong, bones and teeth and is involved in a wide variety of tissues and functions.

What is our main source of vitamin D?
Sunlight is the main source of vitamin D for all people. Vitamin D is made in our skin after exposure to UVB radiation from the sun. Due to the sun safety recommendations to reduce the risk of cancer, it is hard for babies to get enough sun exposure to meet their vitamin D needs.

What happens if my baby does not get enough vitamin D?
Babies who do not get enough vitamin D are at risk of getting a vitamin D deficiency (not having enough). Vitamin D deficiency can lead to problems with tooth development, a variety of body tissue and function and can cause rickets, a disease that affects the way bones grow and develop.

How much vitamin D does my baby need?
Health Canada recommended that all breastfed, healthy term infants receive a daily vitamin D supplement of 10μg (400IU).

Babies are more at risk for vitamin D deficiency if:
They are exclusively breastfed
Their mothers are vitamin D deficient
They are not exposed to enough sunlight
They have darker skin
They live in northern communities
Julie Slack, Public Health Nutritionist with the Northwestern Health Unit explains that “Research suggests that some babies may need more Vitamin D and that the amount should be based on your baby’s unique needs.” To find out the right amount of vitamin D for your baby talk to you health care provider.
What if I do not breastfeed?
Only breastfed, healthy term babies should receive a daily vitamin D supplement. If your baby is formula fed your baby does not need vitamin D supplements because vitamin D is added to infant formula.
For more information on vitamin D contact the Northwestern Health Unit.