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Vitamin D and K for babies
Vitamins & Supplements

Vitamin D and K for babies

24 march 2021

The birth of your child is one of the most impactful and special events in a person's life. Your world is turned upside down, and there is a lot to take in. Although it sometimes seems like you need an enormous amount for your new family member, in practice, it is manageable. With a generous amount of love, some warm clothing, nappies, and food of course, you can go a long way. However, it is recommended to have Vitamin D and Vitamin K for your baby at home. We answer the most frequently asked questions about these recommended supplements for your baby.

What is vitamin D good for?

From the moment your baby is born until the age of four, your child needs extra vitamin D. This is important for the development of strong bones and teeth. The little body develops rapidly, and not all bones and teeth are in the right place at birth. For instance, a baby is born without kneecaps, and the full set of milk teeth must emerge before being replaced by adult teeth. Here, vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption from food.

From the moment your baby is born until the age of four, your child needs extra vitamin D.

What does vitamin D do?

Besides supporting the body's immune system, this vitamin ensures adequate calcium absorption from food. Calcium is the building block that helps maintain strong bones and teeth.

Vitamin D dosage?

For babies, it is recommended to supplement with 10 micrograms of vitamin D daily. For babies with fair skin, do this at least until the age of four. Does your baby have a tanned or darker skin tone? Then the advice is to supplement with vitamin D throughout life. The maximum daily dosage is 25 micrograms. Always follow the dosage instructions on the packaging.

Vitamin D oil, water, or tablets?

Vitamin D for babies and children is available in various forms. Tablets are only given to children from the age of four, as a baby cannot swallow a tablet properly. Vitamin D oil has a neutral smell and taste. Water-based vitamin D is just as safe and effective, but since vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, it is better absorbed by the body in oil form. If you use water-based vitamin D, it is best to give this supplement after a meal. Water-based vitamin D often has an added flavour, such as sugar and anise.

Is there enough vitamin D in formula milk?

Formula milk contains sufficient vitamin K (needed until three months after birth), but it is always advised to supplement with extra vitamin D until at least the age of four. Even if you are breastfeeding, an additional vitamin D supplement is necessary.

Vitamin K

What is vitamin K?

Vitamin K contributes to blood clotting in our body. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that also helps maintain strong bones.

Why does my baby need vitamin K?

During the baby's time in the womb, the baby receives enough vitamin K from the mother. Once the baby is born, vitamin K needs to be supplemented. From birth to three months after birth, it is important to give your baby extra vitamin K because this vitamin supports blood clotting.

From birth to three months after birth, it is important to give your baby extra vitamin K because this vitamin supports blood clotting.

Vitamin K dosage

Are you using formula milk? As mentioned earlier, this already contains enough of this vitamin. However, babies who are breastfed need 150 micrograms of vitamin K per day. If your child receives more than 500 ml of formula milk per day, additional vitamin K supplementation is not necessary.

Can my baby get too much vitamin K?

No, there is not necessarily an upper limit, but it is not wise to be careless with the recommended dosage. Stick to the dosage indicated on the packaging. Whether with vitamins or formula milk, your baby will not easily receive too many vitamins.

I forgot to give my baby vitamin K

It is advised to give your baby vitamin K daily. If you forget once, give the normal dosage the next day. Do not give an extra dose to compensate for the missed day.

Can I give my baby vitamin K for longer than three months?

Yes, you can. It is not harmful to give your baby vitamin K for longer than three months, but it is not strictly necessary. After all, babies who receive formula milk also get vitamin K for a longer period. Adults who take blood thinners or anticoagulant medications are the only ones who should not consume too much vitamin K.

Author: Myrthe Woest