Breastfeeding and Vitamin D

Breast milk is the best way to nourish your growing baby.  The Canadian Paediatric Society, Dietitians of Canada and Health Canada recommend that breast-fed infants get 400 I. U. of vitamin D daily.  For babies living in northern Canada, above 60 degrees latitude, 800 I.U. of vitamin D is recommended daily.  It is recommended that you supplement your breast-fed baby with vitamin D until his/her diet provides him/her with an adequate amount of vitamin D. Sources of vitamin D in your diet include: milk and milk products such as yogurt, tuna and natural sunlight.

Vitamin D helps to absorb calcium in order to make strong bones and teeth.  A lack of vitamin D can lead to a disease called Rickets, which results in the malformation of bones.

Reference:

Canadian Paediatric Society, (2003). Pamphlet: “Breastfeeding and vitamin d.” Ottawa, 

       ON: Canadian Paediatric Society.