Pediatric Medicine

Answer 2 Vitamin D. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recently issued a policy statement with respect to vitamin D supplementation in the United States. Vitamin D supplementation of 200 IU per day is recommended for exclusively breastfed babies (ie, those whose intake of vitamin D-fortified formula is less than 500 mL per day), regardless of ethnic status, skin color, or geographic location.2 Full-term neonates have adequate iron stores and therefore do not need iron supplementation in their diet until the age of approximately 6 months. They also do not require vitamin C or calcium supplements if adequately breastfed or formula-fed. Dietary supplementation with fluoride may be considered after 6 months of age, depending on the fluoride content of the infant’s water supply. REFERENCE 2. Gartner LM, Greer FR. Prevention of rickets and vitamin D deficiency: new guidelines for vitamin D intake. Pediatrics 2003;111(4 Pt 1):908-10. SUGGESTED READINGS 1. Committee on Nutrition, American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatric nutrition handbook. 4th ed. Elk Grove Village (IL): American Academy of Pediatrics; 1998. 2. Lawrence RA, Lawrence RM. Breastfeeding: a guide for the medical profession. 5th ed. St. Louis (MO): Mosby; 1999. Click here to return to the questions

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