breast-fed babies get the best possible nutrition,
they sometimes require certain vitamin or nutritional supplements to maintain
or improve their health. Children younger than 1 year of age may benefit from a vitamin D supplement. Talk with your doctor about how much and what sources of vitamin D are
right for your child.
Rickets is a rare condition that can develop when too
little vitamin D is absorbed.
After 4 months of age, your baby will probably not get enough iron from breast milk alone. Your doctor may prescribe a liquid iron supplement until your baby gets enough iron from iron-fortified formulas or foods high in iron. Breast-fed babies born prematurely may be prescribed a liquid iron supplement by 1 month of age.
In rare situations, babies breast-fed by
mothers who are strict vegans (vegetarians who do not eat eggs, cheese, or
milk) may need a vitamin B12 supplement.
Other Works Consulted
American Academy of Pediatrics (2010). Diagnosis and prevention of iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia in infants and young children (0–3 years of age). Pediatrics, 126(5): 1040–1050. Available online: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/126/5/1040.
Primary Medical Reviewer
Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer
Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Current as of
April 12, 2013
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
April 12, 2013
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this