What is the Dose-Response for Maternal Vitamin D Supplementation in Lactating Mothers?

Discussion Vitamin D is an important vitamin for bone formation and mineral homeostasis. Hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, osteomalacia, rickets and tetany can all result because of Vitamin D deficiency. Deficiency is caused by inadequate dietary intakes of Vitamin D, inadequate exposure to sunlight or patients with fat malabsorption or renal disease. Even in high sun exposure areas of the world, Vitamin D deficiency can occur because of inadequate exposure due to clothing or cultural practices. Sunscreen blocks sunlight and an SPF (sun protection factor) of 8 blocks 95% of the sun, so there needs to be a careful balance between over- and under- sun exposure also. Adequate sunlight exposure for infants is considered 30 minutes/week clothed in a diaper only, or 2 hours/week fully clothed but without a hat. 25-hydroxy Vitamin D (25(OH)D or calcidiol) is the best indicator of Vitamin D status. More than 15 ng/mL is considered adequate Vitamin D serum levels. For a review of the production of Vitamin D, click here. For a review of how much Vitamin D is in different foods, click here. Human breast milk is low in Vitamin D. Therefore all infants who are exclusively breastfed need supplementation. Infants with darker pigmentation or living in northern climates with less sunlight are particularly susceptible to Vitamin D deficiency. This supplementation can be stopped if the infant is taking at least 1 liter or quart/day of formula or Vitamin D fortified whole milk. Children taking ...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news