Vitamin D and Breastfeeding

Breast milk is the best food you can offer your growing baby. But recent studies suggest that many Canadian women do not have adequate vitamin D levels. Therefore, the amount of vitamin D in breast milk may not be enough to meet your baby’s needs. Babies need vitamin D for healthy growth and development. It helps them build healthy bones and teeth.

Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with a disease of the bones called rickets and problems with tooth development. Also, not getting enough of this vitamin may lead to the development of other diseases later in life.

Although sunlight is the main source of vitamin D, both the Canadian Dermatology Association and Health Canada advise that infants under one year should be kept out of direct sunlight due to the risk of skin cancer.

To prevent vitamin D deficiency (not having enough), Health Canada recommends that all breastfed, healthy term infants in Canada receive a daily vitamin D supplement of  10 µg (400 IU). Vitamin D supplementation should begin at birth and continue until the infant’s diet includes at least 10 µg (400 IU) of Vitamin D per day from other dietary sources or until the breastfed infant reaches one year of age.

Vitamin D supplement drops are recommended and available without a prescription in pharmacies and some grocery stores.  Breastfeeding mothers should maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet according to Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide even when a vitamin D supplement is provided to the infant. 

Health Canada states that infants fed infant formula do not need a vitamin D supplement because infant formulas are already fortified with vitamin D at a level of 100 IU/250 mL.

For more information, call 705-721-7520, or click Your Health Connection and speak with a public health nurse.