A new study in USA Today shows that babies are vitamin B deficient.  Only 5% to 37% of American babies met the standard for Vitamin D, 400 units a day.  This number, set by the American Academy of Pediatrics, is thought by some to be something of a guess, so the actual amount babies need could be higher.  Babies who are breast-fed are not getting Vitamin D through their mother’s milk, as breast milk is very low in Vitamin D.  Few babies go out in the sun without protective clothing and sunscreen to prevent skin cancer.  Thus the deficiency.  Formula doesn’t provide enough Vitamin D either.  To correct this, vitamin D supplements are available in drops for babies, at a relatively low cost.   Check with your pediatrician.

Advertisement