Vitamin D is very interesting and researchers are studying it these past few years. Vitamin D is for the metabolism of the bone. It is important throughout life and aside from that, Vitamin D has many other functions in the human body which plays an important role in the prevention of chronic diseases. This vitamin is very important and we get enough of it from the time we are born.
7 facts about Vitamin D and breastmilk that parents should consider
1. Vitamin D level in breastmilk is not deficient. It is not the fault of nature if the Vitamin D level is low in breastmilk. Feeding the baby through breastmilk is the normal and prescribed way to feed babies and if breastmilk is less or plenty, there are also good reasons for that.
2. We can get Vitamin D from sun exposure. Human beings are designed to get Vitamin D from sun exposure rather than from diet. If human beings can get enough of the vitamin through exposing their skin to the sun, then breastmilk is not that important.
3. The safe sun exposure time for children is still unknown. It is true that regular sun exposure can prevent Vitamin D deficiency, but the safe exposure time for children is still unknown. If you want your baby out in the sun for a limited exposure, do it early in the morning or evening.
4. Not all babies are at risk of Vitamin D deficiency. Babies who are breastfed and at risk of Vitamin D deficiency are:
– Babies who are dark skinned
– Babies who receive too little sunlight
– Babies whose mother is Vitamin D deficient
5. The ideal level of Vitamin D is still unknown. According to the researchers from the Institute of Medicine, the ideal Vitamin D level is a blood concentration of at least 50 nmol/L while the Endocrine Society suggests that Vitamin D level should be at least 75 nmol/L.
6. Each country has different recommendations. The recommendation about Vitamin D varies depending on the country where you live. In the US, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 400 IU per day of Vitamin D for breastfed babies since birth. On the other hand, Australia recommends the use of Vitamin D supplement of 400 IU is limited to breastfed babies who are born to dark skinned and veiled women.
7. Supplementing breastfeeding mothers can improve the level of Vitamin D of their babies. Breastfeeding mothers who will take Vitamin D supplement of 6400 IU/day will supply her breastmilk enough Vitamin D to support the requirement of her breastfed baby. This is an alternative way to giving a supplement directly to the baby.
Getting the right amount of nutrients and eating well when you are pregnant or while breastfeeding is very important for the growth and the development of your baby. Vitamin D helps in developing strong and healthy bones. Having enough of it when you are pregnant will help your baby to have enough vitamin as well. Exposing your skin to the sun is the great way to have enough Vitamin D that you and your baby needs.