Poly-Vi-Sol Dosing for 6–12 Month Infants
For healthy term infants aged 6–12 months, Enfamil Poly-Vi-Sol (or similar multivitamin supplements) is typically given as 1 mL daily, which provides 400 IU of vitamin D and approximately 10 mg of elemental iron when using the formulation with iron.
Understanding the Context
The question asks about "Poly-Vi-Sol," which is a brand-name multivitamin supplement containing vitamin D and iron. However, the provided evidence focuses on parenteral nutrition guidelines and iron supplementation recommendations rather than specific oral multivitamin products. I will address the core nutritional needs for this age group based on the available evidence.
Iron Requirements for 6–12 Month Infants
Healthy term infants in this age range require approximately 1 mg/kg/day of supplemental iron if breastfed and not receiving adequate iron from complementary foods. 1, 2
Key Dosing Points:
Breastfed infants: Should receive 1 mg/kg/day of iron supplementation starting at 6 months if complementary foods provide insufficient iron 1, 2
Formula-fed infants: Do not require additional iron supplementation if consuming iron-fortified formula (which contains 4–12 mg/L of iron) 2
Treatment of iron deficiency anemia (if diagnosed): Requires 3 mg/kg/day of elemental iron given between meals for optimal absorption 1
Vitamin D Requirements
While not explicitly detailed in the provided evidence, standard recommendations call for 400 IU daily of vitamin D for all infants starting shortly after birth, which is the amount typically provided in 1 mL of Poly-Vi-Sol.
Practical Dosing Algorithm
For Breastfed Infants (6–12 months):
If receiving adequate iron-rich complementary foods (≥2 servings daily of iron-fortified cereal, pureed meats): Continue vitamin D supplementation alone (400 IU daily)
If NOT receiving adequate dietary iron: Use a multivitamin with iron (like Poly-Vi-Sol with iron, 1 mL daily) to provide both vitamin D (400 IU) and iron (approximately 10 mg) 1, 2
For Formula-Fed Infants (6–12 months):
If consuming ≥24 oz of iron-fortified formula daily: No additional iron supplementation needed; vitamin D supplementation may be discontinued if formula intake is adequate 2
If consuming <24 oz of formula: Consider multivitamin supplementation to ensure adequate vitamin D and iron intake
Dietary Adjuncts to Maximize Absorption
Vitamin C-rich foods should be given with iron-containing meals or supplements to enhance absorption. 1, 2, 3
- Offer fruits, vegetables, or juice alongside iron supplementation 1
- This applies to dietary iron from complementary foods, not necessarily to ferrous sulfate supplements used therapeutically 3
Critical Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not delay iron supplementation beyond 6 months in exclusively breastfed infants without adequate iron-rich complementary foods, as 15–25% may develop iron deficiency by 9–12 months 2
Limit cow's milk to <24 oz (720 mL) daily after 12 months, as excessive consumption is a leading cause of iron deficiency 1
Introduce iron-fortified cereals (≥2 servings daily) and pureed meats after 6 months to meet iron requirements through diet 1, 2
Special Populations Requiring Higher Doses
Preterm or low-birth-weight infants require 2–4 mg/kg/day (maximum 15 mg/day) starting at 1 month of age and continuing through 12 months—this exceeds what standard Poly-Vi-Sol provides and requires separate iron supplementation 2
Monitoring Recommendations
High-risk infants should be screened for anemia at 9–12 months, with repeat screening 6 months later and annually from ages 2–5 years. 2 Consider earlier screening (before 6 months) for preterm infants, those fed non-iron-fortified formula, or breastfed infants with inadequate dietary iron after 6 months. 2