For a 1 month old infant fed human milk, what daily vitamin D supplement is recommended?

For a 1 month old infant fed human milk, what daily vitamin D supplement is recommended?

• A. 100 IU
• B. 200 IU
• C. 300 IU
• D. 400 IU

Answer: (D)

Vitamin D supplementation is essential for breastfed infants because human milk provides very little vitamin D, and a consistent daily amount is needed for healthy bone development and to prevent rickets. For a 1-month-old infant fed human milk, the standard recommendation is 400 international units of vitamin D each day, starting soon after birth and continuing through infancy. Lower daily amounts like 100, 200, or 300 IU do not meet the ongoing needs and leave the infant at risk for deficiency. If an infant were fully formula-fed and receiving enough fortified formula, supplementation might not be necessary, but this scenario involves human milk, so 400 IU daily is the appropriate choice.

Vitamin D supplementation is essential for breastfed infants because human milk provides very little vitamin D, and a consistent daily amount is needed for healthy bone development and to prevent rickets. For a 1-month-old infant fed human milk, the standard recommendation is 400 international units of vitamin D each day, starting soon after birth and continuing through infancy. Lower daily amounts like 100, 200, or 300 IU do not meet the ongoing needs and leave the infant at risk for deficiency. If an infant were fully formula-fed and receiving enough fortified formula, supplementation might not be necessary, but this scenario involves human milk, so 400 IU daily is the appropriate choice.