Clinical Inquiries

What vitamins and minerals should be given to breastfed and bottle-fed infants?

Author and Disclosure Information

 

References

Recommendations from others

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that:

  • All newborns receive vitamin K as an intramuscular dose of 0.5 to 1 mg9
  • All full-term appropriate-for-gestational-age breastfed infants receive a supplemental source of iron starting at 4 to 6 months of age, preferably from iron-enriched complementary foods. Infants should only receive formula fortified with 10 to 12 mg/L for weaning or supplementing breastmilk10
  • All infants, including those exclusively breastfed, should have a minimum intake of 200 IU of vitamin D per day starting in the first 2 months of life.

The National Academy of Sciences recommends 200 IU of vitamin D daily for all normal infants, children, and adolescents.11

The US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) states evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against the routine use of iron supplements for healthy infants.12

The USPSTF, AAP, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends 0.25 mg/d of fluoride supplement for children ages 6 months to 3 years if the fluoride concentration in the community drinking water is less than 0.3 ppm. Older children may benefit from supplements if the fluoride concentration is between 0.3 and 0.6 ppm.13

Pages

Evidence-based answers from the Family Physicians Inquiries Network

Recommended Reading

Do preparticipation clinical exams reduce morbidity and mortality for athletes?
MDedge Family Medicine
Should we recommend universal neonatal hearing screening?
MDedge Family Medicine
How should we evaluate and treat constipation in infants and children?
MDedge Family Medicine
What is the best treatment for nocturnal enuresis in children?
MDedge Family Medicine
Chronic compartment syndrome: Tips on recognizing and treating
MDedge Family Medicine
What is the best treatment for gastroesophageal reflux and vomiting in infants?
MDedge Family Medicine
Is DEET safe for children?
MDedge Family Medicine
Palpable purpura and a visible sock line
MDedge Family Medicine
Acute Otitis Media: Influence of the PCV-7 vaccine on changes in the disease and its management
MDedge Family Medicine
Anemia does not predict iron deficiency among toddlers
MDedge Family Medicine