By Dr Wong Yin Hoong, Consultant Paediatrician, Hospital Seri Botani
As parents strive to provide the best care for their babies, questions often arise about whether supplements are necessary to support their growth and development. One nutrient that frequently comes into focus is vitamin D.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be produced endogenously through exposure to sunlight or naturally present in a few types of food. Vitamin D plays an important role in overall growth, bone
health, and immune function. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to serious health consequences like growth failure and rickets as well as poor immunity.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended a total of 400 IU per day of vitamin D intake for infants younger than 12 months old and 600 IU per day of vitamin D intake for children or
adolescents. All breastfed or partially breastfed infants are strongly recommended to receive vitamin D supplementation starting from the first few days of life. This can be provided through vitamin D
drops.
Vitamin D supplementation is generally well-tolerated and not associated with toxicity if given in the recommended dosage. By understanding the role of vitamin D and following expert guidelines, parents can take proactive steps to safeguard their baby’s health and lay a strong foundation for their future well-being.
