Why Give Vitamin D to Infants? 7 Facts About Vitamin D

1. Vitamin D is a critical dietary supplement for infant development. It helps maintain normal calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood, promoting bone formation. Vitamin D plays additional roles in the proper functioning of various systems and organs, such as the brain, heart, immune system, and more. It regulates calcium absorption and bone mineralization.

2. The Ministry of Health emphasizes that a deficiency in this vitamin can lead to poor bone quality and an increased risk of fractures. Significant deficiency causes rickets in children.

3. The primary source of Vitamin D is exposure to sunlight. It is also found in fish and egg yolk. Due to the recommendation to avoid excessive sun exposure for infants, the Ministry of Health recommends giving Vitamin D3 at a standard dose of 400 international units to all infants, regardless of their diet, from birth until the end of their first year.

4. There is a preference for the D3 supplement over D2, because Vitamin D3 is the more metabolically active form of the vitamin.

5. The recommended dosage is 400 international units, typically 2 drops per day, but it's advisable to consult with a pharmacist regarding the exact number of drops. It's important to note that there is no risk of overdose at the recommended dosage.

6. In the past, infants received a combination of Vitamin A and D. The professional committee that reviewed the recommendations concluded that infants receive adequate Vitamin A in their diet, whether they are breastfed or fed with infant formula.

7. It's important to know that adults are also recommended to take a Vitamin D supplement due to relatively low sun exposure. The recommended dosage for adults varies by age group: up to age 50, one drop containing 200 international units is needed. From ages 51 to 70, it's recommended to take two drops, containing 400 international units. From age 71 and older, you can take three drops, containing 600 international units.