Dear colleagues:
Here is LLLI's press release on sunlight deficiency, "vitamin D," and
breastfeeding.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Information: (847) 519-7730
Mary Lofton, ext. 271 ([log in to unmask]); Mary Hurt, ext. 286
([log in to unmask]);
Carol Huotari, ext. 245 ([log in to unmask])
Sunlight Deficiency, "Vitamin D," and Breastfeeding
Schaumburg, IL (April 17, 2003). Exclusively breastfed healthy, full-term
infants from birth to six months who have adequate exposure to sunlight are
not at risk for developing vitamin D deficiency or rickets. Rickets occurs
because of a deficiency in sunlight exposure, not because of a deficiency
in human milk.
"Vitamin D" is a steroid hormone-misclassified as a vitamin in 1922-that is
produced in the body upon exposure of the skin to ultraviolet B (UVB)
radiation in sunlight. Rickets is the bone-softening disease of childhood
caused by inadequate exposure to UVB radiation.
Very few foods naturally contain significant amounts of vitamin D. The
biologically normal and most common means of obtaining adequate levels of
vitamin D for human beings, including infants, is through casual exposure
of the skin to sunlight. Because the skin has a large capacity to produce
vitamin D, adequate levels can be developed from partial exposure of the
body to small amounts of sunlight well before sunburn occurs. According to
the World Health Organization and United Nations Children's Fund, small
amounts of UVB radiation are beneficial for people and essential in the
production of vitamin D. However, excessive sunlight exposure can cause
sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Concerns about sunlight deficiency, vitamin D and breastfeeding have been
raised by a new American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) clinical report. The
AAP now recommends that all infants have a minimum intake of 200 IU of
vitamin D per day beginning during the first two months of life.
Risk factors for developing vitamin D deficiency and rickets include low
maternal levels of vitamin D, indoor confinement during the day, living at
higher latitudes, living in urban areas with tall buildings and pollution
that block sunlight, darker skin pigmentation, use of sunscreen, seasonal
variations in UVB radiation, and covering much or all of the body when
outside.
"No known risks of 'vitamin D' supplementation exist at the level
recommended by the AAP. However, no research has actually investigated
whether 'vitamin D' supplementation during the first six months has any
negative consequences for infant health, such as vomiting and aspiration
when supplementation is not tolerated, harmful alterations of the infant
gut, or increased risk of infection," said Cynthia Good Mojab, MS, IBCLC,
RLC, Research Associate in the Publications Department of La Leche League
International. Therefore, parents may wish to talk with their healthcare
providers about their infant's risk of vitamin D deficiency and decide
whether or not supplementation with this hormone is warranted for their
infant.
Parents or healthcare providers who want more information on breastfeeding
issues may call La Leche League International (LLLI), the world's
recognized authority on breastfeeding, at (847) 519-7730 or visit the LLLI
website at www.lalecheleague.org.
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Best wishes,
Cynthia
Cynthia Good Mojab, MS clinical psychology, IBCLC, RLC
Ammawell
Email: [log in to unmask]
Web site: http://home.attbi.com/~ammawell
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