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Expert Q&A
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| By Melissa Clark Vickers International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Moms & Babies Huntingdon, Tenn. | ||
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Are children who are exclusively breastfed at a greater risk for experiencing Vitamin D deficiencies? And similarly, are African-American children at a greater risk of contracting rickets as a result of Vitamin D deficiencies?
Human milk contains very little Vitamin D. Because of this, exclusively breastfed infants are at greater risk for rickets caused by a Vitamin D deficiency. The risk is greatest for dark-skinned babies who are rarely exposed to sunlight and whose mothers are undernourished. Fortunately, for most babies, just 5 minutes or so a day exposure to sunlight will give the infant the needed Vitamin D. Very dark-skinned infants may benefit from a supplement -- this is something to discuss with the infant's pediatrician."
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