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Subject:
From:
Jim & Winnie Mading <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Fri, 16 Jan 2004 06:23:28 -0600
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I think the reason many of us have a gut reaction against the
publicity re the "need" to supplement breastfed babies with Vitamin
D  is that it comes across as saying there is something deficient
about breastmilk.  I proppose we put it something like this:

Babies may need additional Vitamin D over and above what they get in
their usual diet.  Factors include increasing indoor lifestyles, air
pollution and living in climates very different from that of our
racial ancestors.  (The theory being that races/skin colors
originally developed (in part at least) in relation to the amount of
sun exposure one would get.  Hence, those living near the equator
would develop darker skin to protect from too much sun exposure
while those living closer to the poles develop lighter skin because
they would need to absorb more sunlight.)  Formula-fed babies are
given this Vit. D by adding it to the formula.  Breastfed babies
needing additional Vitamin D are given it as a supplemental vitamin
in addition to breastfeeding.

The whole notion of breastmilk being "deficient" comes in part
because we don't point out that formula would be deficient if it
wasn't added to the mix.  There are some babies that definitely need
more Vitamin D than others.  Unfortunately, the solution is seen as
giving it to every baby, in part to avoid testing each baby and in
part for fear of seeming to single out some ethnic groups over
others.  While dark-skinned babies living in northern climes seem to
have a greater problem getting enough, they are not the only ones
who may need additional Vitamin D either in the form of more sun
exposure or addition to their diet.

Winnie

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