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 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