What is the recommended dosage of vitamin D (International Units) for newborns?

From the Guidelines

The recommended dosage of vitamin D for newborns is 400 International Units (IU) per day. This supplementation should begin within the first few days of life and continue throughout infancy. For breastfed babies, vitamin D drops are particularly important since breast milk alone doesn't provide sufficient vitamin D. Formula-fed infants who consume less than 32 ounces (1 liter) of formula per day should also receive supplementation, as formula contains some vitamin D but may not provide enough if consumption is limited. The supplement is typically given as liquid drops that can be placed directly in the baby's mouth or added to a small amount of expressed breast milk or formula. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone development in rapidly growing infants, and deficiency can lead to rickets, a condition causing soft, weak bones. Most babies are born with low vitamin D stores, especially if the mother had insufficient levels during pregnancy, making supplementation necessary regardless of sun exposure or geographical location.

According to the most recent and highest quality study, the ESPGHAN Committee on Nutrition recommends a total daily vitamin D intake of 400 IU/day for infants 1. This recommendation is also supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Institute of Medicine. The study suggests that a serum 25(OH) vitamin D concentration > 50 nmol/L indicates sufficiency, and that a daily dose of 400-600 IU is recommended for children and adolescents.

Some key points to consider when supplementing vitamin D in newborns include:

• Breastfed babies require vitamin D drops due to insufficient vitamin D in breast milk
• Formula-fed infants may also require supplementation if they consume less than 32 ounces of formula per day
• Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone development
• Deficiency can lead to rickets, a condition causing soft, weak bones
• Supplementation should begin within the first few days of life and continue throughout infancy

It's worth noting that the tolerable upper intake levels for vitamin D have been established by the Institute of Medicine 1, and that prolonged daily intake up to 10,000 IU or up to serum concentrations of 25(OH)D of 240 nmol/L appears to be safe. However, serum concentrations >375 nmol/L are associated with acute hypercalcaemia and hyperphosphataemia.

Overall, the recommended dosage of vitamin D for newborns is 400 IU per day, and supplementation should begin within the first few days of life and continue throughout infancy. This is supported by the most recent and highest quality study, and is essential for maintaining adequate serum vitamin D concentrations and preventing deficiency.

From the Research

Recommended Dosage of Vitamin D for Newborns

The recommended dosage of vitamin D for newborns is a crucial aspect of ensuring their bone health and preventing conditions such as rickets. According to various studies, the following points highlight the recommended intake:

• Infants should receive an oral supplementation of 400 IU/day of vitamin D from birth 2, 3, 4.
• This dosage is considered adequate for bone health in both preterm and full-term infants 2.
• Higher doses have not been consistently shown to have specific clinical benefits for healthy infants 2.
• In cases of dark skin, the dose should be 600 IU/day 3.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants and children receive at least 400 IU per day from diet and supplements 5.

Special Considerations

Certain groups may require special attention to vitamin D intake and status, including:

• Infants with liver or kidney disease 2.
• Premature infants, who are at a higher risk of rickets due to a deficiency of calcium and phosphorus, not vitamin D 2.
• Breastfed infants, who may require vitamin D supplements in the form of drops or other alternative dosing approaches 2.