Lack of Vitamin D.....

I just don't get it. How is it that the best food for our babies lacks Vitamin D? I just don't understand. My pediatrican is determined that I give my babies Vitamins. I don't want to get into a religious debate here either, but how could God design our bodies to feed our babies this way, and not put the right amount of Vitamin D in it? My only thoughts on this, is that God designed it this way, with the intent our babies would be in the sun more than they are. Any thoughts?

 

Where do you live? I know here in CO most peds aren't pushing the vit D. Babies only need 5-10 mins of exposure once a week to get enough. So a walk outside, car trip, etc is more than enough. But if you REALLY don't get any sun then it is usually advised.

 

I was told that unless the babies have dark skin, even here in Minnesota they get enough exposure to get vitamin D from the sun. BUT, they have it on reserve from when they are born. (Sorry, it's been awhile.) You can find more information HERE at kellymom.com. The babies should be getting enough vitamin D from you and their exposure to sunlight at this age. :hug99:

 

Duhhhhhh ardon: Missed that large CO flag on your post, lol!!! So ummmm, yup, wouldn't worry about it at all!!!!

PM if you want more info on a CO twin bfing group that I organize

 

QUOTE(JicJac @ Apr 1 2008, 10:14 PM) [snapback]700378[/snapback]
I was told that unless the babies have dark skin, even here in Minnesota they get enough exposure to get vitamin D from the sun. BUT, they have it on reserve from when they are born. (Sorry, it's been awhile.) You can find more information HERE at kellymom.com. The babies should be getting enough vitamin D from you and their exposure to sunlight at this age. :hug99:


Yes, when she told me that I was utterly confused. I haven't done much research on it, just thought I'd ask here.

QUOTE(excitedk @ Apr 1 2008, 10:19 PM) [snapback]700382[/snapback]
Duhhhhhh ardon: Missed that large CO flag on your post, lol!!! So ummmm, yup, wouldn't worry about it at all!!!!

PM if you want more info on a CO twin bfing group that I organize


Yep, colorful colorado, born and grown . Thanks for your support.

 

I think you're fine without vitamin D. My pedi was pushing me to give vitamin D and iron. I was too lazy to do any research, but just thought that had to be a bunch of baloney - I mean, how can breastmilk possibly not be perfect? :huh:

So I didn't bother, and the babies are fine. AFAIK there's no vitamin D test, but at their 1 yr bloodwork they were NOT anemic.

 

No D supplements here. The doctor asked how much they get outside and said they're getting enough.

The official AAP stance is that all breastfed babies should get D supplements beginning at (I think) 2 months so don't fault your doctor for following the guidelines. It does give the impression that breastmilk is lacking when they push the supplements but the truth is that it's people's lifestyles that cause the problem. You've got kids indoors much more than they were years ago and the use of sunscreen is a factor as well.

 

I live in Wisconsin - very dark and cold so the twins have really limited/no exposure to sun light (me too for that matter).

I asked our doc about this and she said it wasn't needed - she is pro-breastfeeding. I think her exact words after I told her the AAP recommendation was "breastmilk is the perfect food". Got to love that! I am giving it to them as a back up because I hate milk and don't get out much myself. I can't say that I am good about always giving it....the bottle is lasting a little too long!

 

Even darker babies don't need a Vitamin D supplement! Well my kids are pretty light but they get some direct sunlight almost every day!

 

QUOTE(twinmuffin @ Apr 2 2008, 04:11 AM) [snapback]700373[/snapback]
I just don't get it. How is it that the best food for our babies lacks Vitamin D? I just don't understand. My pediatrican is determined that I give my babies Vitamins. I don't want to get into a religious debate here either, but how could God design our bodies to feed our babies this way, and not put the right amount of Vitamin D in it? My only thoughts on this, is that God designed it this way, with the intent our babies would be in the sun more than they are. Any thoughts?


Before I ever got to the end of your post my answer was "Because She assumed they'd be getting what they needed from the sun."

I recently read an article that the vitamin D that is in most supplents is not actually the vitamin D we need. And as little as 10 minutes of day in the sun is enough for a baby.

 

The pedi I was seeing at the time my boys were first born had us giving them vitamin D. I thought he said it was the AAP recommendation at the time?? Don't know if that is still the case.

Michelle

 

I don't give the babes a supplement, but I take vitamin D and Calcium. I had my levels checked just to make sure they were fine and they were not. I try to get them into the sun but one of my girls is really, really fair and has already burnt from indirect sunlight last summer. I need to find out more about it. A lack of vitamin D is rickets I think. I can't really say that I've seen that diagnosis in anyone in a long time!