Recommendations for Breastfed Infants
Vitamin D deficiency and severe vitamin D deficiency presenting as rickets and other serious conditions such as cardiomyopathy, hypocalcemic seizures, and fractures still occur among infants and children in Canada.
The Canadian Pediatric Society and Health Canada recommend a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU per day for all infants that are receiving breastmilk, unless they are at higher risk of deficiency.1 For infants at higher risk of deficiency, a daily supplement of 800 IU is recommended. Generally, the vitamin D content of breastmilk is insufficient.2 This supplement should continue until two years of age; when the diet typically includes sufficient amounts of vitamin D from other sources.
Babies are most at risk of vitamin D deficiency if:
- they are breastfed;
- their mothers receive insufficient vitamin D from diet or supplements;
- they have darker skin pigmentation;
- their skin is often covered with clothing or sunscreen;
- they live in northern communities (north of 55 latitude); or
- they live in low socioeconomic conditions.
Recommendations for Formula Fed Infants
Vitamin D supplementation is not routinely recommended for formula fed infants. However, for babies at risk of vitamin D deficiency, a daily supplement of 400 IU should be considered.3 The amount of vitamin D found in a typical daily amount of infant formula, along with a daily supplement of 400 IU, will likely not exceed the daily tolerable upper intake level of 1000 IU vitamin D for infants 0-6 months, and 1500 IU for infants 6-12 months.4
Healthcare Provider Tools
Patient Handouts
Key Documents/Best Practice Guidelines
- Infant Nutrition
- Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants: Recommendations from Birth to Six Months
- Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants: Recommendations from Six to 24 Months
- Dietary Reference Intakes Table: Reference Values for Vitamins
- Preventing Symptomatic Vitamin D Deficiency and Rickets Among Indigenous Infants and Children in Canada