Abstract
We previously reported a double blind randomized prospective study of 9 exclusively breast-fed infants without supplemental D (placebo, plac) and 9 exclusively breast-fed infants on supplement of 400 IU D/d (suppl.); 12 infants were fed exclusively Similac 20 cal/oz (form). As reported, at 3 mos plac had significantly lower BMC (modified photon absorptiometry) and serum 25-OH D. By 6 mos, serum 25-OHD had decreased and was still lower in plac vs suppl. (12.9±4.0 SE vs 32.7±4.1ng/ml. p<.01). BMC at 6 mos was 70±6, 75±5, and 94±7mg/cm for plac suppl. and form; plac and suppl. did not differ; plac was less than form (p<.05). After 6 mos, the study was unblinded, infants received solids and breast-fed infants received 400 IU D/d. 10 form and 13 breast-fed infants were seen at 12 mos, when serum 25-OHD, parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, Ca, P, Mg and alkaline phosphatase did not differ between plac and suppl. BMC at 12 mos was 120±19, 108±20, and 132±8mg/cm for plac, suppl. and form and did not differ; grps did not differ in wt, but plac was shorter (73.3±.38cm) than suppl. (75.8± .89cm, p<.1) or form (75.8±0.32cm, p<.02); one way analysis of variance for 3 grps, p<.05. Thus, vitamin D supplements may be necessary for optimal bone mineralization in breast-fed infants but “catchup” mineralization may occur in infants not given D initially. We speculate that D supplements may also be necessary for optimal body length in breast-fed infants.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Greer, F., Searcy, J., Levin, R. et al. 557 DECREASED BONE MINERAL CONTENT (BMC) IN BREAST-FED INFANTS WITHOUT SUPPLEMENTAL VITAMIN D (D): “CATCH UP” MINERALIZATION AT 6 MONTHS AND ONE YEAR; POSSIBLE.EFFECTS ON LENGTH. Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 533 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00570
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00570
- Springer Nature America, Inc.