Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Vitamin D

Exclusive breastfeeding is considered the ideal food in the first six months of life; however, paradoxically, vitamin D content in human breast milk is clearly low and insufficient to obtain the recommended intake of 400 IU daily. This article summarizes the extraordinary metabolism of vitamin D during pregnancy and its content in human breast milk. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in pregnant women and/or nursing mothers and its potential maternal-fetal consequences are analyzed. The current guidelines for vitamin D supplementation in pregnant women, nursing mothers, and infants to prevent hypovitaminosis D in breastfed infants are detailed. Low vitamin D content in human breast milk is probably related to active changes in human lifestyle habits (reduced sunlight exposure).

Automated summary

Exclusive breastfeeding is considered ideal for infants in their first six months; however, breast milk has low vitamin D content, leading to inadequate intake of 400 IU daily. This article discusses the metabolism of vitamin D during pregnancy and its presence in breast milk. It also analyzes the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant and nursing women and the potential consequences for mother and baby. The current guidelines for vitamin D supplementation in breastfeeding infants, pregnant women, and nursing mothers are provided.