Bone mineral content and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in breast-fed infants with and without supplemental vitamin D.
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.
D015652:25-Hydroxyvitamin D 2; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000378:metabolism*; D001942:Breast Feeding; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006887:Hydroxycholecalciferols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008903:Minerals / Q000378:metabolism*; D010919:Placebos; D011446:Prospective Studies
D006887:Hydroxycholecalciferols; D008903:Minerals; D010919:Placebos; D015652:25-Hydroxyvitamin D 2