Is It Necessary To Give Vitamins To Babies?

Many mothers wonder if it is necessary to give vitamins to babies to supplement their diet. In the early stages of life, diet usually involves exclusively breastfeeding, so some women may find it inadequate in terms of micronutrients.

However, keep in mind that breast milk is the most complete food for infants. It contains all the nutrients needed for proper growth. Except in the case of breastfeeding problems, such as low milk production, the energy and substances it provides are adequate.

Vitamin content in breast milk

As a general rule, breast milk contains all the vitamins a baby needs for proper growth. According to experts, it is the most complete and appropriate food, according to a study published in the journal Current Opinion in Pediatrics . It contains not only nutrients but also bioactive substances that promote the proper functioning of the immune system.

However, it is true that there is a vitamin that is not present in this food, or at least not in the amounts needed for your baby. This is vitamin D, a nutrient that also has hormonal functions.

The easiest way to get the right dose of vitamin D is to promote exposure to the sun, which is why more people choose to take babies outdoors regularly. Ultraviolet radiation stimulates the endogenous synthesis of vitamin D and thus meets the need.

However, exposing infants to sunlight is not always safe. This can lead to a deficit of this item. To avoid this, experts have suggested vitamin supplements.

Vitamins for babies

According to a study published in the journal Nutrients , supplementation of vitamin D in infants can be positive if they lack nutrients. This nutritional strategy helps prevent immune and hormonal imbalances, thus reducing the incidence of certain complex diseases.

Nevertheless, it is always advisable to consult a professional before giving supplements to babies. Not all vitamin D products are suitable for children.

Dosage of vitamin D.

Doctors usually prescribe vitamin D supplements for children under 2 years of age. In these cases, they recommend oily solutions containing 400 IU of nutrient per day. However, if the baby is receiving breast milk substitute, the dosage pattern may vary as many types of breast milk substitute are fortified with vitamin D.

Even in the case of premature babies, there may be different needs. In this case, the dosage of vitamins must adapt to the baby’s weight and the type of food they consume.

It is important to provide vitamins for babies

As you have seen, administering vitamin D to babies can be crucial in ensuring their proper development. It is important to first consult a doctor and administer the nutrient according to what the child is eating.

In addition to this element, you should not supplement a baby’s diet with other nutrients in the early stages of life. At least not in the case of infants who do not present any diseases. Breast milk has all the nutrients needed to meet the needs of the youngest infants.