Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants

Promoting Healthy Nutrition in Children

Jan 29, 2009

With the increasing number of cases of vitamin D deficiency, it is important to understand the cause and how to prevent rickets in infants.

Due to the fortification on milk with vitamin D, rickets was nearly eradicated in the 1930s, however recent reports have shown an increase of incidences in infants (1). A case study was published last month in the New England Journal of Medicine, discussing a 9 month old boy was diagnosed with rickets (3). It is believed that there has been an increase vitamin D deficiency because people are told to avoid the sun or to wear sunscreen. Even the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that for the first 6 month of an infant's life he should not receive any sun exposure (1). The second reason is that the daily recommended intake value of vitamin D for lactating women may not be high enough (1).

What is Rickets?

Rickets is a vitamin D deficiency that impairs the mineralization of growing bones. Rickets is characterized by structural abnormalities of the weight bearing bones and is associated with bone pain and muscular tenderness. The soft pliable bones caused by a vitamin D deficiency cannot withstand ordinary stresses and strains, resulting in bowed legs (2). The case study suggests that the signs and symptoms of early vitamin D deficiency in children are often missed because the symptoms of restlessness and irritability are common (3).

How is a Deficiency Prevented?

The amount of vitamin D found in human milk depends on the mother’s sun exposure and intake of foods that contain vitamin D (1). It is recommend to get ten to fifteen minutes of sun exposure at least two times per week to the face, arms, hands, or back without sunscreen and to eat foods that are a natural source of vitamin D such as fish liver oil and fatty fish or food that are fortified with vitamin D such as diary products orange juices and cereals (4). If a mother has a limited exposure to the sun, a vitamin D supplement of 1,000 IU is recommend (4). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a supplement of 400 IU daily for all children from birth through adolescence (3).

How to Test for a Vitamin D Deficiency?

A doctor can test the blood for the serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitmain D, which is the best indicator of vitamin D status. An infant should have a range of > 32 (1). A yearly test is recommended to prevent any chronic diseases linked with a vitamin D deficiency (4). An X-ray can be done before the infant begins to walk to look for signs of rickets.

Research has shown that the incidents of vitatamin D deficiency are on the rise. It is important for nursing mothers to ensure that they are maintaining adequate vitamin D levels and are following the recommendations that children receive a daily supplement. Following these nutrition guidelines will help prevent the development of Rickets in Children.

The copyright of the article Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants in Breastfeeding is owned by Melissa Black. Permission to republish Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.