Why do babies need Vitamin D?

Isn’t sunlight a good source of vitamin D? Vitamin D is produced naturally when skin is exposed to sunlight. Unfortunately, Canada’s higher latitude means we may have a reduced ability to get vitamin D from sun exposure for a large part of the year. This is particularly important in more northern regions. Sunscreen and clothing further limit the amount of vitamin D produced.

 

Should I give my baby Vitamin D?

If I eat more foods containing vitamin D while I’m breast-feeding, do I still need to give my baby a vitamin D supplement? Yes. Although foods like salmon, margarine and milk are good sources of vitamin D, the levels are not high enough to enrich your breast milk to the level your baby needs.

 

Vitamin D for baby while breastfeeding

There is no question that breast milk provides the best nutrition for your baby. However, the vitamin D content of breast milk has been shown to be low (<6-20 IU/250 mL)* and may not be high enough to meet your baby’s needs.

 

How much Vitamin D does a baby need?

Experts, such as the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada, recommend that all exclusively and partially breastfed infants or infants receiving breast milk be given a daily vitamin D supplement of 400 IU from birth to one year of age.

 

They’re growing so fast

Give your baby the vitamins they need. Support your baby’s growth and changing nutritional needs with age-appropriate vitamins.

BREASTFEED

Enfamil® D-Vi-Sol®

Vitamin D at a level (400 IU)
recommended by Health Experts1,2

Buy Enfamil D-Vi-Sol

Starting Solid

Enfamil® Tri-Vi-Sol®

Vitamin D (400 IU) and
vitamin A and C

Buy Enfamil Tri-Vi-Sol

Toddler

Enfamil® Poly-Vi-Sol®

Contains vitamin D (400 IU) PLUS
vitamins A, C, Thiamine (B1),
Riboflavin (B2), Niacinamide (B3)

Buy Enfamil Poly-Vi-Sol

 

Find Enfamil Vitamins at most pharmacies throughout Canada.

* Ask your baby’s doctor if Tri-Vi-Sol or Poly-Vi-Sol is right for him.
1 First Nations, Inuit and Metis Health Committee and The Canadian Pediatric Society.
Vitamin D Supplementation: Recommendations for Canadian Mothers and Infants.
Pediat Child Health 2007 (reaffirmed Oct 2010); 12(7):583-9.
2 Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for calcium and vitamin D. November 2010.