Are Supplements Essential even for Breast-Fed Infants?

Breast Milk is Simply the Best for Infants

Until it is time for solid foods, which are introduced around the sixth month, breast milk provides a complete source of nutrition for infants. There may be three nutrients that may require additional attention and it is best to ask your doctor/dietitian & nutritionist for suggestions. Get in touch with a nutritionist/dietitian at www.firsteatright.com to guide you on these nutrient supplements and also to help you with the right choice of solid foods.

Iron: Iron is essential for the secretion of hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. Iron is a vital nutrient for your baby’s brain development and growth.

Iron supplements may be required by premature infants at an earlier stage than other babies as these infants had less time to build enough iron reserves before birth.

Fluoride. Don’t be surprised to know that your baby’s teeth start to develop even before you could see them. Fluoride, a mineral often found in tap water, plays a vital role in forming strong teeth and preventing cavities later.

Although the breast-feeding mother may drink fluoridated water, the breast milk contains little fluoride. If these infants drink supplemental formula made with fluoridated water – at least 0.3 ppm (parts per million) of fluoride – it may happen that your baby fulfills his/her required fluoride levels. If your child is breast-fed only or drinks formula made with well water, distilled water, unfluoridated bottle water or city unfluoridated water, your pediatrician/dietitian & nutritionist may advise the use of a fluoride supplement at around the sixth month. Breast-fed infants who take supplemental ready-to-use formula may need a fluoride supplement as these formulas are prepared with water low in fluoride.

Vitamin D. Vitamin D is responsible for the absorption of calcium from breast milk (and infant formula). Calcium is needed to help bones grow and develop. Exposing the baby to sunlight helps the baby produce vitamin D. But, make sure to protect the baby’s skin from sunlight with sunscreen or clothing.