How Much Vitamin D Do Breast-Feeding Mothers Need?
A recent study shows it may be more than you think.
Monica Reinagel, MS, LD/N, CNS
Q. I suspect I might not need to give my newborn vitamin D supplements because I drink a lot of milk…3 or 4 gallons a month. Am I getting enough vitamin D to make my breast milk rich in Vitamin D as well?
Answer. Probably not. Most (cow’s) milk is fortified to contain 100 IU vitamin D per cup. If you’re drinking a gallon of milk (that’s 16 cups) a week, it works out to about 200 IU per day. The RDA for lactating mothers is 600IU, and there’s some controversy about whether that’s nearly enough–for either the moms or the babies. According to one recent study, you might need to take as much as 6,400IU vitamin D per day for your breast milk to contain enough vitamin D to support healthy levels in your baby. I think I’d probably go with supplements (for myself and for the baby).
Check out my article on the Benefits of Vitamin D, and join me on Facebook and Twitter!
Breast-Feeding image courtesy of Shutterstock
About the Author
Monica Reinagel is a board-certified licensed nutritionist, author, and the creator of one of iTunes’ most highly ranked health and fitness podcasts. Her advice is regularly featured on the TODAY show, Dr. Oz, NPR, and in the nation’s leading newspapers, magazines, and websites. Do you have a nutrition question? Call the Nutrition Diva listener line at 443-961-6206. Your question could be featured on the show.