by Dr. Melissa Nelson

Although there are children for whom vitamin supplements are not appropriate, there are many reasons to consider a vitamin supplement for your child. Supplements are easy to find at your pharmacy and easy to give to your child, but make sure you talk to your pediatrician before giving your baby anything besides breast milk or formula.

If your child was born premature, chances are your pediatrician has recommended vitamin supplements. Babies born early often do not have adequate levels of vitamins stored up and need supplementation starting at birth.

If you are breastfeeding exclusively, your child will likely need Vitamin D supplementation. All babies need Vitamin D- the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends 400IU a day, and without it are at risk for a disease called rickets. Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphate from the intestines, which is essential for making strong bones. Without enough Vitamin D, bones become soft and weak which can cause delayed growth, bowed legs, abnormally curved spine, and other problems. Since infant formula is supplemented with Vitamin D, babies who drink adequate amounts of formula (about 32 ounces per day) don’t generally need extra amounts. But breast milk has low levels of Vitamin D, so babies who only receive breast milk do not get enough and are at risk for rickets.

Sometimes your pediatrician will recommend vitamin supplements for other reasons, such as a low iron level. Vitamins are available with iron, as well as formulas that are iron-fortified. Baby’s need for iron will increase as she ages, so iron-fortified cereals may be appropriate (at around 4 to 6 months of age).

It is also important to keep on eye on your own health. Women who have had gastric bypass surgery, have intestinal diseases or take certain kinds of medications do not absorb nutrients as well. This can affect the nutritional content of breast milk. Even if your diet isn’t perfect, chances are you will produce enough nutrients in your breast milk for your baby- although taking a multivitamin while you are breastfeeding is a good idea. But for those who follow a vegan diet, make sure you tell your pediatrician and make extra effort to consume Vitamin B12, iron, zinc, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Vitamin D and Breastfeeding: Is your newborn getting enough?

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