Is It Necessary To Give Vitamins To Babies?
Many mothers wonder if it is necessary to give a vitamin supplement to babies to supplement the diet. During the first stages of life, feeding is exclusively in the form of breastfeeding, so some women may find it insufficient in terms of micronutrients.
However, it must be borne in mind that breast milk is the most complete food for children. It has all the necessary nutrients to promote proper growth. Except for cases of problems with breastfeeding, such as a low milk production, the energy and substances it provides are sufficient.
The vitamin content of breast milk
As a general rule, breast milk has all the vitamins that the child needs for proper growth. It is considered the most complete and appropriate food, according to a study published in the journal Current Opinion in Pediatrics . It not only has nutrients, but also bioactive substances that promote the proper functioning of the immune system.
Now, it is true that there is a vitamin not contained in this food, or at least not in the amounts necessary for the baby. It is about vitamin D, a nutrient that also has functions at the hormonal level.
The best way to obtain the adequate dose of vitamin D is by promoting sun exposure, therefore, it is essential that babies are taken out on the streets on a recurring basis. By means of ultraviolet radiation, endogenous synthesis of vitamin D is stimulated, thus meeting the requirements without problems.
However, not in all countries it is possible to guarantee frequent exposure to sunlight in babies, especially due to weather conditions. This can condition a deficit of said element. To avoid this, the alternative of vitamin supplementation has been proposed.
Vitamin Supplements in Babies
According to a study published in the journal Nutrients , vitamin D supplementation in children can be positive if they suffer from a deficiency of the nutrient. This nutritional strategy helps prevent imbalances at the immunological and hormonal level, thus reducing the incidence of certain complex pathologies.
Despite this, it is always advisable to consult a professional before offering supplements to babies. Not all vitamin D products are suitable for children. Furthermore, it is not necessary to resort to this strategy in all cases, not at all times of the year.
The optimum would be to introduce the supplement in the diet when the demands of solar radiation cannot be satisfied. Also if signs of rickets are experienced, since this pathology develops from the deficit of the nutrient.
On the other hand, some caution must be exercised with the use of sunscreen creams in babies. These products almost completely block the production of endogenous vitamin D, due to an excessive defense against the sun’s radiation. For this reason, it is important to ensure that the baby is exposed to light for a certain time without any protector, although following preventive measures against skin damage.
Vitamin D dosage during supplementation
Vitamin D supplements are usually prescribed for children younger than 6 months who do not get enough sun exposure. In these cases, oily solutions with a content of 400 IU of the nutrient per day are used. However, after the sixth month the dosage schedule may vary, since many formula milks are fortified with the vitamin.
Also in the cases of premature babies there may be different needs. In this case, the vitamin will be dosed according to the weight of the child and the type of food that is offered.
It is important to give vitamins to babies
As you have seen, the administration of vitamin D in babies can be decisive to guarantee a good development. It is important to first consult with the doctor and administer the nutrient based on the time of year and the way the child is eating.
In addition to this element, it is not recommended to supplement with any other nutrient during the early stages of life. At least in the case of babies who do not have pathologies. Breast milk has all the necessary nutrients to meet the needs of the little ones.
