Why have vitamin D recommendations expanded to include all infants, including those exclusively breastfed?

Why have vitamin D recommendations expanded to include all infants, including those exclusively breastfed?

• A. Because infants receive ample vitamin D from breast milk
• B. Because natural dietary sources are limited and sun exposure varies
• C. Because vitamin D is abundant in most formula
• D. Because supplementation is optional for healthy infants

Answer: (B)

Vitamin D is essential for bone mineralization, and breast milk typically provides only small amounts of it. While formula is fortified with vitamin D, exclusively breastfed infants may not get enough from either diet or sun exposure, which can be unreliable due to factors like latitude, season, skin pigmentation, and how much time is spent outdoors or how sunscreen is used. Because these factors vary so much, and to prevent vitamin D deficiency and related issues such as rickets, guidelines now recommend universal supplementation for all infants. A daily dose around 400 IU is commonly advised from birth, regardless of feeding method.

Vitamin D is essential for bone mineralization, and breast milk typically provides only small amounts of it. While formula is fortified with vitamin D, exclusively breastfed infants may not get enough from either diet or sun exposure, which can be unreliable due to factors like latitude, season, skin pigmentation, and how much time is spent outdoors or how sunscreen is used. Because these factors vary so much, and to prevent vitamin D deficiency and related issues such as rickets, guidelines now recommend universal supplementation for all infants. A daily dose around 400 IU is commonly advised from birth, regardless of feeding method.