Formula-fed Babies & Vitamin D: Do Formula-Fed Infants Really Need Vitamin D?

Proper nutrition and vitamins are essential for the healthy development of your baby. In particular, vitamin D is critical to improving muscle health and developing strong bones. Fortunately, there are options for your little one that can help ensure your baby is getting enough vitamin D.

Is There Enough Vitamin D in Formula for Babies?

Children need vitamin D soon after birth. If formula fed, your baby is probably getting the necessary supply of Vitamin D for the day. However, your baby will need to drink about four bottles of formula a day to get the recommended amount of vitamin D.

What is the Recommended Amount of Vitamin D for Formula-Fed Babies?

Children 12 months, or younger, need 400 IU of vitamin D each day, whereas children 12 to 24 months need 600 IU of vitamin D per day. If you are concerned that your baby is not receiving enough vitamin D, there are supplements available that you can add to ensure they get what they need.

Best Ways to Supply Enough Vitamin D to Your Baby

Vitamin D is such a critical part of your baby's growth. Because of this, you need to know what you can incorporate into your babies' diet to ensure they are getting enough. 

Daily sunshine is a great way to get started. The ultraviolet light from the sun provides vitamin D, which is absorbed through the skin. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, vitamin D is produced from cholesterol in your skin. However, be careful, as too much sun exposure can create other health issues.

Food is another excellent source of vitamin D. Every food has a different amount of vitamin D. The best sources are fatty, oily fish, and dairy is another option that has lower amounts. Fatty, oily fish include those salmon, trout, and tuna. Mushrooms are another source.

Although 1% and 2% milk have vitamin D, whole milk has a little more per cup than that. Yogurt is another option that many young children enjoy. Fortified cereals and orange juice also have vitamin D.

However, some of these options may not be palatable to young children. Due to this, you can look to supplements to ensure your loved ones are getting enough.

Best Vitamin D Supplements for Babies

Vitamin D supplements are essential for babies to ensure they get enough supply. They are less likely than older children and adults to like foods that contain enough vitamin D to fit their needs. This is why supplements are so helpful for younger children. 

Preservative-free and organic products are best. To go even further, choose supplements in glass bottles. Wellements has a great vitamin D option that you can try to supplement your baby's diet. Please consult your baby's pediatrician before adding any supplements to the regimen.

Risks of Low Vitamin D in Babies

Vitamin D deficiency is common. This deficiency can negatively affect your child's mental health, growth, immunity, and more. It is essential during infancy and childhood because it is needed to develop the skeletal system.

With an insufficient supply, your child is at risk for rickets. Rickets is caused by vitamin D deficiency, which results in distortion of the bones, imperfect calcification, and softening of the bones. They may develop muscle and bone pain. Osteomalacia is also a risk for those with vitamin D deficiency. Insufficient vitamin D can also create low calcium leading to muscle cramps and seizures.

Always check with your pediatrician to determine if your child needs more vitamin D and discuss options if needed. When supplements are required, research options to choose what best fits your needs.

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