Breastfed babies may lack this thing and supplementation is necessary.

What exactly is the use of Vitamin D?

If infants lack Vitamin D3, it can lead to Vitamin D3 deficiency rickets. Therefore, what is commonly referred to as "calcium deficiency" in babies is actually a lack of Vitamin D.

Why is Vitamin D related to "calcium deficiency" in babies? This is because calcium absorption in the small intestine requires a calcium-binding protein.Protein Vitamin D3, on the other hand, is like a "key" that can induce the body to produce a calcium-binding protein, thereby opening the "door" to calcium absorption. Vitamin D can also promote the kidneys' reabsorption of calcium, reducing calcium loss, thus maintaining calcium levels in the body.

How much Vitamin D do infants need?

According to the latest revised 2012 version of the Chinese Dietary Guidelines for Nutrient Intake, 0-12 month old babies should consume 400 IU (10 μg) of Vitamin D per day. For babies over 1 year old, it is 600 IU (15 μg).

Breastfed babies are more likely to be deficient in Vitamin D.

Because the Vitamin D content in breast milk is very low, and Vitamin D obtained from breast milk is limited, pure breastfed infants are prone to Vitamin D deficiency, especially during the winter months when they spend less time outdoors.

Will formula-fed babies be deficient in Vitamin D?

Most formula is fortified with Vitamin D (if formula is not fortified, the Vitamin D content is also very low). However, the amount of Vitamin D fortified in formula varies depending on the brand. However, in most cases, 100 ml of liquid formula contains 40 IU of Vitamin D, meaning that a baby needs to consume 1000 ml of formula to obtain 400 IU of Vitamin D. However, not all babies can reach this amount, or may not be able to reach it at certain stages.Therefore, to prevent rickets caused by Vitamin D deficiency, both breastfed and formula-fed infants should supplement with a preventative dose of Vitamin D, 400 IU (10 μg), until they are at least 2 years old, or even longer. The amount of vitamin D added to formula is different between brands, but most formulas contain 40 IU of vitamin D per 100 ml. To obtain 400 IU of vitamin D, babies need to consume 1000 ml of formula, but not all babies can achieve this amount, or may not be able to achieve it at certain stages.