Formula-Fed vs. Breastfed: Do Both Babies Need Vitamin D?
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Ivy Branin Naturopathic Doctor at Simplicity Health Associates.
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As a naturopathic doctor, one of the most common questions I get from new parents is about Vitamin D supplementation. It can be confusing—do all babies need it, or does it depend on whether they are breastfed or formula-fed?
Today, I want to clear up the confusion and provide you with a simple, clear guide. As always, any products I recommend can be found on our Fullscript store, and if it's your first time ordering, you'll receive a 10% discount.
What is Vitamin D and Why is it So Important?
First, let's understand why we're concerned about Vitamin D. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and is essential for:
Bone Health: It plays a vital role in bone mineralization by helping the body absorb calcium. A deficiency can lead to rickets, a bone condition in infants.
Immune Function: It is crucial for a properly functioning immune system.
Overall Development: It supports brain function, cognition, and even the health of connective tissues like the skin.
While we get Vitamin D from the sun, most of us don't get enough, especially in certain geographical locations or when using sunscreen. Dietary sources are also limited to foods like salmon and sardines. This is why supplementation is often necessary for adults, and it is almost always necessary for infants.
Interested in learning more about how to eat sardines (even when you hate them)? Consider reading this blog post.
The Vitamin D Needs of a Breastfed Baby
The short answer is yes, a breastfed baby needs Vitamin D supplementation.
While breast milk is the perfect food for a baby, it does not contain sufficient Vitamin D to meet their daily requirements. Even if a mother has high, robust Vitamin D levels herself, her breast milk will only provide a minimal amount—anywhere from 5 to 80 IUs per liter. This is far below the recommended daily intake of 400 IUs for infants.
Since breastfed babies are not getting enough Vitamin D from their diet and are not getting much sun exposure, supplementation is a crucial step to protect their bone health and support their immune system.
The Vitamin D Needs of a Formula-Fed Baby
So, does a formula-fed baby also need Vitamin D? This is where it gets a little different. The answer here is it depends on the formula.
Most infant formulas on the market today are fortified with Vitamin D. It is absolutely essential to read the formula label to check how much Vitamin D is in a typical daily serving. You do not want to give your baby more than the recommended 400 IUs per day.
If the formula provides this amount, you do not need to supplement. If the formula provides less, you may need to supplement a small amount to make up the difference.
My Recommended Vitamin D Supplement for Babies
For my son and my patients, I recommend Carlson Labs Baby Super Daily D3 drops. I love this product because it is incredibly simple to use—just one drop a day provides the necessary 400 IUs. It is also suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and those who keep to kosher dietary needs.
Interested in learning more about supplementation for toddler’s gut health? Consider reading this blog post.
A Personalized Supplementation Plan for Your Baby
While Fullscript is a powerful tool for sourcing high-quality supplements, the best care for your baby comes from a plan tailored specifically to their unique health needs.
If you have any questions about your baby's Vitamin D needs, especially if they have pre-existing health concerns or are on other medications, a consultation with a naturopathic doctor is a crucial first step. We can help you navigate proper dosages and create a safe, effective protocol that ensures your little one is getting the right support.
At Simplicity Health Associates, both myself, Dr. Ivy Branin, and Dr. Pauline Hoang are dedicated to providing personalized care. We will work with you to understand your baby's unique health picture and build a supplement regimen that supports their specific needs, giving you peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of Vitamin D deficiency in a baby?
Signs of a deficiency can be subtle, so it's best to discuss any concerns with your pediatrician or naturopathic doctor. However, some signs to look out for can include a soft or enlarged fontanelle (the soft spot on the top of a baby's head), delayed crawling or walking, and irritability. Severe deficiency can lead to rickets, which causes bowed legs and bone deformities.
How long should I give my baby Vitamin D drops?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all breastfed and partially breastfed infants receive Vitamin D supplementation shortly after birth. This should continue until they are weaned and consume at least 32 ounces per day of Vitamin D-fortified formula or whole cow's milk. The recommended duration for supplementation can vary, so it's important to consult with your naturopathic doctor for a personalized plan.
Can a baby get too much Vitamin D?
Yes. Since Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and is stored in the body, it is possible for a baby to get too much, which can be toxic. Symptoms of Vitamin D toxicity can include nausea, vomiting, or poor appetite. This is why it is critical to adhere to the recommended 400 IUs daily dosage and to check the Vitamin D content in any formula you are using to avoid over-supplementation.
Can I just take extra Vitamin D myself while breastfeeding instead of giving it to my baby?
This is a very common question, and unfortunately, the answer is no. While it's important for you to have adequate Vitamin D levels, even very high doses in a breastfeeding mother's diet do not transfer directly to the breast milk in high enough concentrations to meet a baby's needs. The only way to ensure your baby gets the necessary 400 IUs daily is through direct supplementation with drops.
How do I get 10% off my first order?
When you set up your Fullscript account with Simplicity Health Associates through our link, you will automatically receive 10% off your first order.
Can I add supplements I buy from other places to the Fullscript app?
Yes! The app is designed to help you manage all your supplements and medications, regardless of where you purchase them. You can manually enter them or use the barcode scanner in order to get the reminders.
Book An Appointment
If you're concerned about your toddler remaining healthy, or may suspect that there is an underlying health concern, our team at Simplicity Health Associates are dedicated to helping you navigate this journey through personalized, holistic treatment plans.
About Dr Ivy Branin
Dr Ivy Branin is a Naturopathic Doctor in NYC who received her degree in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biochemical engineering and a minor in French from Rutgers University. After graduating from Rutgers, she worked for 3 years as a process validation engineer in the pharmaceutical industry in New York and Connecticut.
As a naturopathic doctor in NYC, Dr Branin does not approach disease with a “one-size fits all” perspective but rather sees each patient as an individual with their own potential for optimal health. She supports people in their desire to feel good and good about themselves using the naturopathic principles of dietary and lifestyle management, homeopathy, visceral manipulation, botanical medicine, and craniosacral therapy.