3 Generally, the vitamin D content of breastmilk is insufficient. Health Canada currently recommends a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU per day for all infants that are receiving breastmilk. 1 Supplementation of these levels appeared safe however, further research is required before population health based recommendations are increased.

Current research suggests that vitamin D supplementation in amounts significantly higher than current recommendations during pregnancy and lactation maintained optimal vitamin D status in the mother and raised vitamin D levels in breast milk to a point that further infant supplementation was not needed. 1Ĭurrent supplement recommendations may not be sufficient to maintain optimal vitamin D status for mothers and their infants however, further research is required before recommending higher doses. These should be taken during pregnancy with supplementation continued throughout lactation. 2 Pre/postnatal multivitamins generally contain 400-600 IU per suggested daily dose. Health Canada recommends that pregnant and lactating women receive 600 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily. Mothers must have intakes of vitamin D that are sufficient to meet their own needs and those of their infants. 1 Maternal vitamin D status is reflected in infant stores and the amount of vitamin D available in breastmilk. Unfortunately, maternal vitamin D deficiency is common in northern hemispheres. 1 Ensuring optimal maternal vitamin D stores is crucial for promoting healthy growth and development in children. Low vitamin D levels during pregnancy has been linked to lower bone density of older children, susceptibility to type 1 diabetes and increased severity of autoimmune diseases. Maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy and lactation may influence the health status of their children throughout their lives. Recommendations for Pregnant and Lactating Women 1 The goal is to promote optimal vitamin D status, whereas, in the past, recommendations may have been based on achieving sufficient vitamin D status. 1 Levels between 25-75 nmol/L are considered insufficient and levels less than 25 nmol/L is considered a vitamin D deficiency. 1 Optimal vitamin D status as been defined as plasma 25(OH) vitamin D levels of 75-225 nmol/L. Plasma 25(OH) vitamin D is currently considered the gold standard in assessing vitamin D levels.

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