Bone mineral content and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in breast-fed infants with and without supplemental vitamin D: One-year follow-up

• Published in: The Journal of pediatrics Vol. 100; no. 6; pp. 919 - 922
• Main Authors: Greer, Frank R., Searcy, John E., Levin, Ronald S., Steichen, Jean J., Steichen-Asche, Paule S., Tsang, Reginald C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Mosby, Inc 01.01.1982
• Subjects: 25-Hydroxyvitamin D 2; Bone and Bones - metabolism; bones; Breast Feeding; Ergocalciferols - analogs & derivatives; Ergocalciferols - blood; Female; Follow-Up Studies; growth; Humans; Infant; infant feeding; infant formulas; Infant, Newborn; Milk, Human - metabolism; mineral metabolism; Minerals - metabolism; nutrient deficiencies; Random Allocation; Sunlight; Supplements (Nutrient); Vitamin D - administration & dosage
• ISSN: 0022-3476; 1097-6833
• DOI: 10.1016/S0022-3476(82)80514-3

A 1 year follow-up report on 18 totally breastfed infants was done to detemine if vitamin D supplementation was essential to alleviate decreased in bone mineral content (BMC), and serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH vitamin D). The infants were placed into 2 groups of 9 each (1 group received a placebo; 1 group 400 IU of vitamin D/day). Twelve formula fed infants served as the control group. At 12 and 26 weeks infants receiving the placebo had significantly less BMC than the supplemented breast-fed or formula fed infants. The conclusions drawn were that low serum 25-OH vitamin D concentrations and early decreases in BMC did occur in breastfed infants not receiving supplementation which may be necessary if optimal growth in length is desired. (kbc)