> The one common factor was that all the babies were in daycare due
> to their mother's employment, and all were recieving pumped breastmilk as
> well as breastfeeding.  Are there any studies looking at Vit. D lose in
> pumped and stored breastmilk?

What a great epidemiological sleuthing opportunity. If indeed the one
common denominator in these children is the daycare setting, this makes
me want to ask at least 2 questions:
1) Do other breastfed infants in the same geographical-cultural area but
not in daycare have rickets?
2) Are these infants in daycare ever taken outside? (Only 30 minutes
daily indirect sunshine is needed for the body to manufacture Vitamin D)
I wouldn't be so quick to accuse the breastmilk, but would first
investigate sun exposure for sure. I forget where you live, Barbara, and
latitude is important, especially if more northern, and season,
especially if winter. I'm thinking an infant in winter daycare in
upstate snowed-in New York might never see direct sunlight - you know
what I mean?

Katharine West, BSN, MPH
Sherman Oaks, CA