Vitamin D Supplementation Practices in Breastfed Infants in Outpatient Pediatric Clinics. (April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Saathoff, Megan; Hanson, Corrine; Anderson-Berry, Ann; Lyden, Elizabeth; Fernandez, Cristina
• Is Part Of: Infant, child & adolescent nutrition. Volume 6:Number 2(2014:Apr.)
• Page Start: 122
• Page End: 126
• Publication Date: 2014-04
• Subjects: vitamin D -- infants -- breastfeeding; Children -- Nutrition -- Periodicals; Teenagers -- Nutrition -- Periodicals; 613.2083
• DOI: 10.1177/1941406414521662
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1941-4064

Abstract

Background . In 2008, the American Academy of Pediatrics increased the daily recommendation from 200 to 400 IU per day of vitamin D for all infants. Therefore, it has become vital for pediatricians and other healthcare providers to recommend and verify that their patients are on vitamin D supplementation. Objective . To investigate the proportion of pediatricians recommending vitamin D at the first and 6-month visit in infants and to determine predictors of vitamin D supplementation practices. Methods . Retrospective chart review of 219 patients seen at well baby pediatric visits to document the vitamin D supplementation practices. The Wilcoxon rank sum test and Fisher's exact test were used to make comparisons of weight, gestational age, gender, breastfeeding status, and insurance status based on vitamin D practices. Results . Eighty-seven percent of exclusively breastfed infants had no pediatrician recommendations for supplemental vitamin D at the first pediatrician visit, and 71% had no recommendations for vitamin D supplementation at the 6-month visit. There were no statistically significant data suggesting that vitamin D practices vary based on a patient's gestational age, weight, gender, or insurance. Conclusion . Compliance with the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation to provide 400 IU per day of vitamin D to infants is very low.