Your baby's body makes vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, but you probably slather sunscreen on your baby when she's outside to protect her delicate skin. , a website of the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommends a vitamin D supplement, especially for breastfed babies, to prevent rickets, which is a disease characterized by softening of the bones. Speak with your pediatrician before giving your baby vitamin D drops. Further, always give the correct dose because giving your baby too much can lead to unwanted side effects. Vitamin D works closely with calcium in your baby’s body to build and maintain strong bones. It also regulates his immune system and cells, which may protect against cancer. Vitamin D is found in some foods, such as fatty fish, fortified milk and cereal and eggs. Aside from rickets in children, low levels of vitamin D may contribute to cancer, high blood pressure, depression and obesity. Only small amounts of vitamin D transfer to breast milk, which is why your doctor may suggest vitamin D drops for your baby.
You typically find these drops in a 1 milliliter combination multivitamin or a vitamin that contains vitamins A, C and D. Vitamin D is added to infant formula so formula-fed babies do not need the drops. The exception to the rule is if your baby is taking in less than 32 ounces, or 1,000 milliliters, of vitamin D-fortified formula a day. Use the dropper that comes with your baby’s vitamin D drops and fill it to the recommended amount so your baby doesn't get too much. The tolerable upper limit of vitamin D is 1,000 IU for infants 0 to 6 months and 1,500 IU for infants 6 to 12 months. If you exceed this dosage, babies may experience thirst, poor appetite, weight loss, bone pain, fatigue, sore eyes, itchy skin, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, frequent urination, muscle problems and a metal taste in their mouths. Chronic high levels of vitamin D can also increase calcium levels, according to the Linus Pauling Institute website. Hypercalcemia is a term used to describe too much calcium in the blood.
It can cause kidney stones, bone loss and calcification of organs including the heart and kidneys. Calcification is a build up of calcium in blood vessels or organs that may interfere with organ functioning. Gain 2 pounds per week Gain 1.5 pounds per week Gain 1 pound per week Gain 0.5 pound per week Maintain my current weight Lose 0.5 pound per week Lose 1 pound per week Lose 1.5 pounds per week Lose 2 pounds per week How to Keep Pubic Area From Itching After Shaving 5 Functions of the Skeleton How to Stop the Itching After Shaving Infant Constipation & Vitamins How to Give a Baby Vitamin D Drops How to Stop Hair From Itching When Growing Prune Juice & Water for Newborn Constipation Side Effects of Iron Supplements for Infants How to Stop Ingrown Hairs in Pubic Area Can Vitamins Change the Color of Your Bowel Movement? Symptoms of a Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants Stringy Mucus During Breast-Feeding
Blood Type O Positive Diet Foods Can Too Much Vitamin D Cause a Rash? Can Vitamin A & D Cause Loose Stools? Major Bones of the Skeletal System Does Taking Vitamin D Promote Bloating & Gas? Is Constipation a Side Effect of Vitamin D?The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.Avoid in people with known allergy or sensitivity to vitamin D, any similar compounds, or any part of the formula. Vitamin D is likely safe when taken by mouth in doses of 100 micrograms of vitamin D3 daily (4,000 IU) and when applied to the skin alone or in combination with corticosteroids for up to three months.
Vitamin D is possibly safe when taken by mouth or injected into the muscle in doses of 300,000 IU three times a year for vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D may cause allergic skin reactions (inflammation, irritation, rash, and thinning), build-up of calcium in the arteries, changes in cholesterol levels, daytime sleepiness, excessive vitamin D levels, hardening of the arteries, headaches, increased calcium excretion or levels, increased risk of falls and fractures, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, increased risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy, increased risk of urinary tract infection, kidney or urinary stones, muscle pain, respiratory tract infection, and stomach problems (constipation, cramps, diarrhea, upset stomach, and vomiting). Vitamin D may affect blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in people with diabetes or low blood sugar, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Blood sugar levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, and medication adjustments may be necessary.
Vitamin D may affect blood pressure. Caution is advised in people with blood pressure disorders or those taking drugs or herbs and supplements that affect blood pressure. Use cautiously in people with headaches, heart disease, immune disorders (including lymph cancer and tuberculosis), kidney disease, liver disease, lung disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, skin disorders, stomach disorders, and thyroid disorders. Use cautiously in pregnant women at risk of high blood pressure associated with pregnancy. Use cautiously in breastfeeding women. Avoid in people with known allergy or sensitivity to vitamin D, any similar compounds, or any part of the formula. Avoid in people with abnormal calcium excretion or levels. Use cautiously in pregnant women at risk of high blood pressure associated with pregnancy. The recommended adequate intake for pregnant women is the same as for non-pregnant adults. Most prenatal vitamins provide 400 IU of vitamin D daily as cholecalciferol, while high-risk populations may benefit from higher amounts (2,000-4,000 IU daily).