Vitamin D is said to be an essential essential nutrient in the growth and development of babies. This vitamin is not only beneficial for bone health, but also has a wider impact on various aspects of baby health.
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, these two minerals are important in the formation of strong bones and teeth. Unfortunately, many babies, especially those who get exclusive breast milk, do not get enough vitamin D from natural sources of breast milk and sunlight. Do babies need to get vitamin D supplements?
Is It Necessary To Provide Vitamin D To Babies?
Yes, in general, babies need to get vitamin D supplementation, especially in babies who get breast milk. Although breast milk is the main source of excellent nutrition for babies, the vitamin D content in breast milk is usually very low, around 15-50 IU per liter.
World health organizations such as American Academy Pediatrics (AAP) recommends providing vitamin D 400 IU supplements per day for infants ranging from a few weeks to at least 12 months of age.
Babies who consume formula milk enriched by vitamin D generally do not need additional supplements. However, you still need to check the label behind the packaging to ensure the right vitamin D content.
In addition, babies with a risk of vitamin D deficiency, such as those living in areas with limited sun exposure, may also require additional supplements.
Also read: Impact Of Vitamin D Lack In Children
Benefits Of Providing Vitamin D Supplements
Many experts recommend vitamin D supplementation in babies because of some of the benefits they have, including:
Supporting growth and bone strength
Vitamin D helps absorb calcium and phosphorus from food. Without enough vitamin D, the body cannot absorb calcium efficiently, causing the bone to become weak and fragile.
In babies, a deficiency of vitamin D can lead to a lack of vitamin D rakitis, where the bone softens and causes a shape disorder.
Improve the immune function
Vitamin D plays an important role in improving the baby's immune system that can help the body fight infection. Babies receiving enough vitamin D tend to have a stronger immune system, which can help fight disease and infection more effectively.
Supporting brain development
Research also shows that vitamin D plays a role in brain development and cognitive function. This vitamin affects the production and release of various neurotransmitters (chemical compounds) in the brain that are important for communication between brain cells.
Although further research is needed, studies show that adequate intake of vitamin D during the early days of life can contribute to healthy cognitive development.
Also read: When Do Children Need To Drink Vitamins?
Preventing autoimmune disease
Several studies have shown that vitamin D plays a role in preventing the development of autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system misidentifies healthy body cells as dangerous.
With sufficient intake of vitamin D, vitamin D can help regulate the body's immune response so as not to overdo it. This can help reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases such as Type 1 diabetes.
Reducing the risk of allergies and asthma
Some studies attribute adequate levels of vitamin D to lowering the risk of allergic development and asthma in children. Vitamin D helps regulate the body's immune response to allergens, which can help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract.
Supporting the health of the heart and blood vessels
Vitamin D also contributes to heart health and blood vessels. Babies who get enough vitamin D have a lower risk of experiencing high blood pressure as a teenager. Sufficient vitamin D intake can also prevent cardiovascular disease in the future.
Providing vitamin D to babies is indeed important, but you still have to consult a doctor to get the right dose recommendation. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor or take advantage of Ai Care's health consultation services that can be downloaded at App Store or Play Store.
Want to know information about pregnancy, breastfeeding, the health of women and children? Check here, yes!
