Vitamin D Deficiency / Rickets /

Vitamin D supplementation for babies

01 What Do I Need To Know?

During pregnancy babies receive and store vitamin D from their mother. After birth the vitamin D level falls and some babies are more at risk for low Vitamin D levels and supplements may be recommended to prevent deficiency.

At risk for vitamin D Deficiency

·      Premature infants born less than 32 weeks gestation

·      Birth weight < 2000gm at birth

·      Breast fed infant of vitamin D deficient mothers

Vitamin D is required for

·      Absorption of calcium for healthy bones and teeth

·      Reducing the risk of soft bones or rickets

·      Improving muscle strength

·      Growth and a healthy immune system

How long is Vitamin D supplement required

At risk babies should have 400 international units per day for the first 12 months to ensure that they develop sufficient stores. There is usually sufficient Vitamin D in formula once babies are taking > 800 – 1000 ml per day.

Commercially available preparations

OsteVit-D drops 2 drops daily= 400 IU daily

Ostelin drops 1ml daily = 400Iu daily

Pentavite 0.45 ml daily= 400 IU daily

 






 

The information published here has been reviewed by Flourish Paediatrics and represents the available published literature at the time of review.
The information is not intended to take the place of medical advice.
Please seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
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Last updated: 10/12/2012