As a mom, ensuring your infant gets the right nutrients for healthy growth and development is a top priority. One crucial nutrient that often raises questions is vitamin D3.
This is so profoundly important, and this quote from a 2019 study from Dr. Enfonte sums it up perfectly: “Vitamin D3 deficiency should be promptly diagnosed and treated during the first year of life.”
But there is ONE BIG PROBLEM: no one is using vitamin D3 and treating it optimally during the first year of life. As this same study from Dr. Enfonte in 2019 so beautifully summarizes, “No one is checking vitamin D3 levels or getting them optimal.” Thank you, Dr. Enfonte and your team, for so eloquently stating the importance, but also the lack of this information being used to help new parents and their children.
So kudos to you for being here and being curious about vitamin D3 for infants! Please share this blog with medical practitioners and new parents you know.
In this article, we’ll dive into the benefits of vitamin D3 for infants, the recommended vitamin D3 dosage for infants in ml vs IU, and how to prevent low vitamin D3 in infants. We’ll also explore the scientific evidence supporting vitamin D3 supplementation for your and your baby’s health. Links to the scientific studies can be found at the end of this blog.
Ensuring infants get enough vitamin D3 is critical for healthy growth, strong bones, and proper immune and brain development. Many infants remain deficient due to limited sunlight, breastfeeding without supplementation, or maternal deficiency. Proper supplementation, guided by recommended dosages and pediatric monitoring, ensures optimal growth, protects against health risks, and promotes overall infant well-being.
Vitamin D3 Dosage for Infants in ml vs. IU (international units)
IU (International Units) and ml (milliliters) are two different units of measurement used for different purposes when discussing vitamin D3 dosage.
IU is a standardized unit of measurement used specifically for vitamins and other biologically active substances. It measures the biological activity or effect of a substance rather than its mass or volume. In the case of vitamin D3, IU is used to describe the potency or the amount of the vitamin that produces a specific biological effect in the body.
On the other hand, ml (milliliters) is a unit of volume measurement. When referring to vitamin D3 drops or supplements, ml is often used to describe the liquid volume of the product that needs to be administered to achieve the desired IU dosage.
Vitamin D3 Drops Dosage for Infants: How Much Is Enough?
To achieve the 2,000 IU dosage referenced in the 2001 Finnish study, using the Liquid Vitamin D3 Foundation Prime in my store, you would need to give your baby approximately 2 drops to per day to achieve this minimum dose.
If you are breastfeeding, you can put it on the nipple while breastfeeding or mix it in with other liquid or food.
While the current AAP (American Association of Pediatrics) recommendation for vitamin D3 dosage for infants in ml is 400 IU per day, the Finnish study and other scientific studies underscore the potential long-term vitamin D3 benefits for infants at higher doses. However even 2,000 IU per day will only very rarely get an infant to optimal levels and achieve optimal benefit. This is why after being on a certain dose for 8 to 10 weeks, a 25 (OH) vitamin D level should be checked on a simple blood test that any lab can do.If the blood level is less than optimal (70 to 90), increasing the dose by 1,000 IU per day (approx 1 drop), for every 10 points lower than optimal is a good rule of thumb. 8 to 10 weeks later re-check the vitamin D levels to see if the levels are perfect or if another change in the dose needs to be done.
The study in (2015) indicates that the most advantageous serum levels for 25 (OH) vitamin D appeared to be close to 75 nmol/l (30 ng/ml). Two drops of the Liquid D3 Foundation Prime would give your infant 2,400 IU and at least satisfy this minimum amount identified as being beneficial in the Finnish study.
Common Causes of Vitamin D3 Deficiency in Infants
Below are the key causes and risk factors contributing to this issue.
1. Limited Sunlight Exposure:
UVB rays from sunlight are the primary source of Vitamin D3. Infants often receive very little sun due to indoor living, protective clothing, or parental caution. Studies from the National Library of Medicine report infants may get as little as 17 minutes of sunlight per week, which is insufficient for optimal Vitamin D3 synthesis.
2. Breastfeeding Without Supplementation:
In the first 6 months, many infants are exclusively breastfed without receiving fortified or complementary foods. Breast milk typically contains only small amounts of Vitamin D3, ranging from 10 to 80 IU/L. The recommended daily intake of vitamin D3 dosage for infants in ml is 400 IU per day (as suggested by the American Academy of Pediatrics).
3. Maternal Vitamin D3 Deficiency:
Infant stores depend heavily on maternal levels during pregnancy. Mothers with low Vitamin D3 are more likely to give birth to infants with insufficient reserves, increasing the risk of rickets and poor bone mineralization.
4. Multiple pregnancies (multiparity)
Infants born to mothers who have had multiple pregnancies (multiparous) may have a higher risk of deficiency, possibly because maternal stores are more stretched or because breastfeeding durations are different.
Potential Consequences of Vitamin D3 Deficiency in Infants
Providing the proper vitamin D3 dosage suggested for a child in IU is important to prevent several health issues:
1. More Frequent Infections:
Low Vitamin D3 weakens immunity, making babies more prone to colds, coughs, and serious infections.
2. Weak Muscles and Delayed Movement:
It can cause weak muscles, delaying crawling, sitting, or standing.
3. Weak and Soft Bones (Rickets):
Without enough vitamin D3 age-appropriate dosage, babies’ bones can become soft or misshapen due to poor calcium and phosphorus absorption.
4. Mood and Development Effects:
Insufficient Vitamin D3 may affect brain development, leading to irritability or slower learning.
5. Problems with Teeth:
Deficiency can delay teething and weaken enamel, increasing cavity risk.
6. Long-Term Health Risks:
Lack of Vitamin D3 in infancy may raise the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart issues, or immune disorders later.
How Does Vitamin D3 Benefit an Infant’s Growth and Development?
1. Maximizing Nutrient Absorption
It enhances the absorption of calcium, phosphorus, and other essential minerals from the gut. By regulating intestinal transport proteins and calcium-binding proteins, it ensures that infants can effectively utilize nutrients from breast milk or formula. This support is crucial for overall growth, bone strength, and metabolic efficiency.
2. Nurtures Brain and Nerve Health
Vitamin D3 influences the nervous system by regulating neurotrophic factors, calcium signaling in neurons, and neurotransmitter synthesis. This helps proper nerve growth, signal transmission, and brain connectivity. In infants, sufficient Vitamin D3 supports early neural development, coordination, reflexes, and overall cognitive function.
3. Regulating Sleep Patterns Naturally
It also plays a role in regulating melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep-wake cycles. By influencing melatonin production in the pineal gland, Vitamin D3 can help infants establish more regular sleep patterns. Adequate levels may reduce irritability, support better rest, and improve overall sleep quality during the first months of life.
4. Strong and Healthy Skin
This vitamin contributes to skin health by regulating keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, which are essential for maintaining a strong skin barrier. It also supports the production of antimicrobial peptides in the skin, helping protect against infections. In infants, this ensures their delicate skin remains resilient, hydrated, and less prone to irritation or rashes.
5. Drives Proper Cellular Growth
Vitamin D3 interacts with the Vitamin D receptor (VDR) in cells, regulating gene expression for cell differentiation, proliferation, and tissue development. It is critical during infancy, a time of rapid growth and organ development. Proper Vitamin D3 in infants helps tissues mature normally, supports organ function, and maintains overall cellular health.
The Importance of Nutraceutical-Grade Vitamin D3 for Infants
When choosing vitamin D supplements for your infant, it is crucial to select nutraceutical-grade supplements. Unlike over-the-counter products, which may have inconsistent purity and content, nutracetical-grade supplements are independently tested to ensure they contain exactly what is listed on the label.
Nutraceutical-grade supplements are held to a higher standard, similar to pharmaceutical products, ensuring that you provide your infant with the best quality and most effective vitamin D supplementation to maximize the vitamin D3 benefits for infants.
All of the products offered in my online store, including the Liquid D3 Foundation Prime are nutraceutical quality. Look for the cGMP seal on every one.
When to Consult Your Pediatrician
If you have concerns about your infant’s vitamin D levels or notice any signs of vitamin D deficiency, which is really ANY HEALTH PROBLEM, consult your pediatrician. They can assess your baby’s vitamin D levels and provide personalized recommendations for the proper dose of vitamin D3. Be sure to print out this blog and bring it to your appointment. You could also ask your physician to take my free online masterclass for practitioners to learn more about this science.
Conclusion
Giving the correct vitamin D3 dosage for a child in ml is crucial for many aspects of their growth and development. Make sure to follow age-appropriate recommendations and consult your pediatrician if needed. Along with vitamin D3, paying attention to other essential vitamins and supplements can help support your child’s overall health during these important early years.
