From the NY Times, we find that vitamin D Deficiencies may be on the rise in breastfed babies

Aug 27, 2008 Nutrition

We wanted to bring this article to your attention.  While many babies do just fine with adequate exposure to sunlight, vitamin D deficiencies may be rising in those that live in areas with less sunlight exposure and those who are African American, Latino or otherwise have darker skin pigmentation.  We’ve provided a good excerpt from the article below and were pleased to see that the Dr. below continues to advocate for and support breastfeeding. 

Physicians have known for more than a century that exclusive breast-feeding may be associated with vitamin D deficiency and rickets, and that the condition is easily prevented and treated with inexpensive vitamin drops or cod liver oil. But doctors are reluctant to say anything that might discourage breast-feeding.

Now some researchers are also linking vitamin D deficiency with other chronic diseases like diabetes, autoimmune disorders and even cancer, and there have been calls to include blood tests of vitamin D levels in routine checkups.

“I completely support breast-feeding, and I think breast milk is the perfect food, and the healthiest way to nourish an infant,” said Dr. Catherine M. Gordon, director of the bone health program at Children’s Hospital Boston and an author of several studies on vitamin D deficiency, including Aleanie’s case.

“However,” Dr. Gordon continued, “we’re finding so many mothers are vitamin D deficient themselves that the milk is therefore deficient, so many babies can’t keep their levels up. They may start their lives vitamin D deficient, and then all they’re getting is vitamin D deficient breast milk.”

Read the NY Times Full Article  Before you become overly concerned, we hope you will go to KellyMom.com & read their page on vitamin D.  This should help clear up any misconceptions/concerns/fear etc and also give you an idea if supplements are really necessary!

Tags: Nutrition