Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Terry, “I am wondering how much vitamin D a woman needs while she is breastfeeding her baby? Thanks for your help. I love your articles every week.” —Jennifer P., Ames, IA A. Dear Jennifer, Thank you for your kind words. I am glad you find my articles useful. You ask a very good question about breast feeding. Doctors almost universally recommend vitamin D supplementation for infants that are exclusively breast fed, because there is a huge risk for vitamin D deficiency. In a way, this doesn’t make sense—why would Mother Nature design breast milk (the perfect food for babies) that is deficient in vitamin D? It turns out that breast milk is deficient in vitamin D because the mothers are deficient in vitamin D! It is estimated that nursing mothers need at least 6400 IU per day, and most are not getting that much through diet and minimal sun exposure. Unless you are certain that you have excellent vitamin D levels, it is probably a good idea to supplement your baby with a little bit of vitamin D in the form of drops, at least until he or she is old enough to eat a variety of food. Congratulations on your new baby, and best wishes to both of you for continued health. Terry