Infant Vitamin Guidelines
New mothers often wonder if their newborns need vitamin supplements. But most breast-fed and formula- fed babies up to six months old receive adequate vitamins for growing healthy and strong. Breast milk has a natural vitamin balance, particularly rich in vitamins B, C and E. Most infant formulas are fortified with all the vitamins and minerals needed for infants, according to the Keep Kids Healthy website (see Resources). However, infants fed on low-iron formulas may need a supplemental source of the mineral, especially after they are four months old.
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Identification
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Infant vitamin requirements are defined as organic materials in tiny amounts that are necessary for a baby to grow and function properly. Because the body can't produce most of them, vitamins have to come from foods; one exception: vitamin D, which is produced by the skin from sunlight exposure.
Vitamin supplements are classified as either water-soluble or fat-soluble. Vitamins A, D, E and K are four fat-soluble vitamins, meaning they're stored by the liver. Water-soluble vitamins include the B vitamins, niacin and pantothenic acid.
Functions of Fat-Soluble Vitamins
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Vitamin A prevents infection. Both baby formula and breast milk meet an infant's needs for vitamin A during the first six months of a baby's life. Vitamin D promotes calcium and phosphorous absorption for healthy bones. According to the Bright Beginnings website, breast-fed babies consuming 17 ounces daily of breast milk receive the required amount of vitamin D needed for proper bone development. Bottle-fed babies also get sufficient levels of vitamin D from the formulas.
Vitamin E protects the body from harmful substances and serves as an antioxidant. Breast milk meets the daily requirements for vitamin E, and formulas provide suitable levels of this vitamin. Vitamin K is vital for helping blood clot. Although infant formula is supplemented with Vitamin K, breast milk has lower amounts. That's why newborns are routinely given vitamin K injections to avoid any possible bleeding problems following birth. After an infant is given a vitamin K shot, he doesn't need further dosages unless it's recommended by a doctor.
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When to Use Supplements
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When parents have concerns, they should consult their pediatricians who can decide whether supplements should be given and vitamins are needed. Deciding whether to give supplements depends on a baby's medical history, birth weight, current weight and other factors. After six months of breast milk, an infant needs vitamins A and D, according to the textbook "Pediatrics and Child Health". The same applies to formula-fed babies if their formula intake is small or they begin drinking regular cow's milk.
Considerations
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Besides premature and low birth-weight infants, even breast-fed infants are deficient in vitamin D if their mothers are malnourished or lack enough sunlight exposure. Infants need vitamin D supplements if they live in areas lacking sunlight, such as northern regions in Sweden or Canada. If either the mother or baby has dark skin, more exposure to sunlight is required for producing vitamin D. If a mother isn't exposed to sunlight and fails to drink or consume enough dairy products rich in vitamin D, her baby needs supplements.
Nursing Mothers and Pregnant Women
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Doctors often recommend nursing mothers take natal multivitamins so their babies receive all the needed vitamins through breast milk, which will ultimately lead to a healthy birth rate, and a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes and death. Proper fetal development requires vitamins such as folic acid, calcium and iron. Taking folic acid reduces the threat of birth defects, such as spina bifida. Calcium protects the fetus from the potential of impaired skeletal growth. Additional iron is needed because of an increase in a mother's blood volume in transporting oxygen to the fetus.
Warning
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High doses of particular vitamins can be harmful. For example, when a baby receives high amounts of vitamin A, adverse effects such as vomiting, headaches, bone abnormalities, brain swelling and liver damage can result. Excess vitamin D doses can cause high calcium levels, leading to heart and kidney damage. That's why high dosages of vitamins should never be given to babies and children without being supervised by their pediatricians.
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References
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