Vitamin A Helps to Prevent Infections
Vitamin A, also called retinol, is important for healthy skin and eyes. Vitamin A is
also important in preventing infections. Vitamin A is so-named because it was the first fat-soluble
vitamin discovered.
When consumed in recommended amounts, both breast milk and baby formula satisfy an infant's vitamin A
requirements during the first six months.
For older infants who have begun eating solid foods, most plants contain carotene which can be converted
into vitamin A. Fruits and vegetables that are particularly high in carotene include squash, sweet
potatoes, oranges, peaches and prunes. In addition, milk and meats are good sources of vitamin A.
If you are pregnant, excess vitamin A can be detrimental to your fetus. Excess vitamin A intake can also
be harmful to your baby. Discuss your baby's diet and the use of supplemental vitamins with your physician.
Vitamin D is Vital For Proper Growth
Vitamin D produces healthy bone formation by promoting absorption of calcium and phosphorus from ingested
foods. Calcium and phosphorus are important components of bones. Vitamin D is unique among vitamins in
that it can be made in a baby's skin after exposure to sunlight.
Some mothers' milk may have low levels of vitamin D. For this reason and because some
breastfed infants may not receive adequate sunlight exposure, pediatric experts recommend that infants who
are exclusively breastfed receive additional vitamin D, usually in the form of oral drops.
Baby formulas are fortified with vitamin D. Babies who are drinking at least 17 ounces per day receive
sufficient amounts of vitamin D regardless of their daily sun exposure.
For more information on vitamin D and breastfeeding, http://www.aap.org/family/vitdpatients.htm
Vitamin E Protects Your Baby's Skin
Vitamin E is an antioxidant and provides protection against damaging substances in the body.
Breast milk is an excellent source of vitamin E and, when consumed in recommended amounts, satisfies a
full-term, healthy infant's vitamin E requirements. Formula is fortified with vitamin E and also
provides appropriate levels of vitamin E for full-term healthy infants when consumed in recommended amounts.
Premature infants have greater vitamin E requirements and may need additional vitamin E. If your baby was
born prematurely, discuss her vitamin E needs with your pediatrician.
Vitamin K Aids in Blood Clotting
Vitamin K is important for normal blood clotting. To prevent a bleeding condition that can occur after
birth, newborns are given an injection of vitamin K.
Baby formulas are fortified with vitamin K and satisfy an infant's daily requirements for vitamin K.
Although breast milk contains lower amounts of vitamin K than formula, an infant consuming recommended
amounts of breast milk receives sufficient vitamin K.
For breastfeeding mothers and older infants who have started solids, foods high in vitamin K include
spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower. Consult with your pediatrician about appropriate ages to offer these
foods to your baby. |
