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Bone mineral content and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in breast-fed infants with and without supplemental
Insights
Supplemental vitamin D is crucial for bone health in breast-fed infants. Studies show vitamin D supplementation significantly improves bone mineralization in infants compared to placebo.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
- Bone Metabolism
Background:
- Breast-fed infants may be at risk for vitamin D deficiency.
- Bone mineralization is critical for infant development.
- Optimal vitamin D levels are essential for calcium absorption and bone health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of supplemental vitamin D on bone mineralization in term, healthy, breast-fed infants.
- To compare bone mineralization and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations between supplemented and placebo groups.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, prospective study involving 18 healthy, term, breast-fed infants.
- Infants were randomly assigned to receive either 400 IU/day of vitamin D or a placebo.
- Bone mineralization and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were assessed at 12 weeks of age.
Main Results:
- Infants receiving placebo showed a significant decrease in bone mineralization by 12 weeks.
- Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were significantly lower in the placebo group compared to the vitamin D-supplemented group.
- Vitamin D supplementation led to improved bone mineralization in breast-fed infants.
Conclusions:
- Supplemental vitamin D may be necessary for optimal bone mineralization in term breast-fed infants.
- Further research with longer follow-up is needed to determine the long-term value of increased bone mineralization.
- Vitamin D supplementation appears to be beneficial for bone health in this population.
Abstract:
Eighteen term, healthy, appropriate for gestational age, breast-fed infants were studied in a double-blind prospective study to determine whether or not supplemental vitamin D affected bone mineralization. All patients were from a single, private pediatric practice. Nine infants were randomly assigned to a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU/day and nine infants to a placebo. By 12 weeks of age, infants receiving placebo had a significant decrease in bone mineralization and in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations compared to the vitamin D-supplemented group. It is not known whether or not the increased BMC at 12 weeks of age in vitamin D-supplemented breast-fed infants is of ultimate value. Supplemental vitamin D may be necessary for optimal bone mineralization in term breast-fed infants. A longer follow-up study and additional analyses are required to make conclusive statements.