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Hypocalcemia due to vitamin D deficiency in exclusively breastfed infants

S Balasubramanian1, So Shivbalan, P Saravana Kumar

  • 1Kanchi Kamakoti Childs Trust Hospital (KKCTH), 12- A, Nageswara Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 034. Tamil Nadu, India. sbsped53@sify.com

Indian Pediatrics
|April 6, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Exclusively breastfed infants can develop vitamin D deficiency, leading to hypocalcemic seizures. Supplementation and sunlight exposure for both infants and mothers are crucial for preventing this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Hypocalcemia is a significant concern in infants and children.
  • Vitamin D deficiency is a known cause of hypocalcemia.
  • Breastfeeding is a primary source of nutrition for infants, but can pose risks if maternal vitamin D levels are insufficient.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the link between vitamin D deficiency and hypocalcemic seizures in exclusively breastfed infants.
  • To assess the vitamin D status of mothers of affected infants.
  • To highlight the importance of vitamin D supplementation and sunlight exposure.

Main Methods:

  • Observational study of 50 infants and children with hypocalcemia.
  • Biochemical analysis for 25 (OH) Vit D3 levels in infants and mothers.
  • Assessment of parathyroid hormone levels.
  • Monitoring response to vitamin D and calcium therapy.

Main Results:

  • 13 exclusively breastfed infants presented with hypocalcemic seizures due to vitamin D deficiency.
  • None of these infants received vitamin D supplementation.
  • All affected infants showed biochemical evidence of hyperparathyroidism and low 25 (OH) Vit D3.
  • Mothers of these infants also had low 25 (OH) Vit D3 levels.
  • Affected infants responded well to vitamin D and calcium treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Exclusively breastfed infants are at risk of vitamin D deficiency, potentially causing hypocalcemic seizures.
  • Maternal vitamin D status is critical for infant health.
  • Recommendations include vitamin D supplementation for breastfed infants and increased sunlight exposure for both infants and mothers.

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