D status of breastfed infants low despite supplementation

http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/d-status-of-breastfed-infants-low-despite-supplementation/

15 October 2012

Researchers in Turkey report that despite recommended daily vitamin D supplementation, the rate of vitamin D deficiency is high in 4-month-old breastfed infants.

The cross-sectional study published in the October issue of Pediatricsassessed vitamin D status of 143 exclusively breastfed infants supplemented with 400 IU of vitamin D.

Forty (28%) of the infants were vitamin D deficient (defined as ≤20 ng/mL) while 38.5% were insufficient (21-30 ng/mL). During winter months, 45.4% of infants had vitamin D levels <20 ng/mL and 10.6% of infants had levels <10 ng/mL.

The authors conclude,

“Despite supplementation with 400 IU of vitamin D daily, the rate of vitamin D deficiency was worryingly high in 4-month-old exclusively breastfed infants living in Izmir, Turkey.”

They call for additional research to clarify optimal D supplementation for the infants, especially during winter months.

Source:

Halicioglu O, et al. Vitamin D status of exclusively breastfed 4-month-old infants supplemented during different seasons. Pediatrics. October 2012.

Page last edited: 18 October 2012