zihui.pennywong

2 years

Vitamin D in breastfeed baby

May I know if breastfeed baby necessarily needs extra Vitamin D supplement if baby did not go out to have sunshine?

Hello, thank you for your enquiry.

For your information, vitamin D is important for bone growth and development in baby. However, as early as within 6 months since birth, it is best to practice exclusive breastfeeding, which means milk is the only source that the baby needed. The digestive system of baby may not be mature enough to digest and absorb other forms of food, and even liquid.

Any form of supplements or food sources rich in vitamin D are recommended after weaning diet, where the baby can start to eat baby food or self prepared semi-solid food. This is usually recommended after 6 months of age, where the baby’s bowel should be mature enough to function normally.

Other than sunlight, some examples of foods with vitamin D include:

  • Some fishes like salmon or light canned tuna
  • Eggs
  • Varieties of fruits and vegetables
  • Vitamin D-fortified products like plain whole cow’s milk (for children 12 months and older), yogurt, cereals, and some 100% juices.

Vitamin D supplements are another way to help children obtain their daily-require dose of vitamin D. Consult a doctor about the dose of Vitamin D supplements that suitable for your child during the next check-up.

For more information, you may contact us for an online consultation for further information and assistance as well.

Thank you, we hope our answer has been helpful.

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