Exclusive Breastfeeding and Vitamin D Supplementation: A Positive Synergistic Effect on Prevention of Childhood Infections?
Raffaele Domenici, Francesco Vierucci
Abstract
Human milk is the best food for infants. Breastfeeding has been associated with a reduced risk of viral and bacterial infections. Breast milk contains the perfect amount of nutrients needed to promote infant growth, except for vitamin D. Vitamin D is crucial for calcium metabolism and bone health, and it also has extra-skeletal actions, involving innate and adaptive immunity. As exclusive breastfeeding is a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency, infants should be supplemented with vitamin D at least during the first year. The promotion of breastfeeding and vitamin D supplementation represents an important objective of public health.
Topics & Concepts
BreastfeedingVitamin D and neurologyBreast milkMedicineVitaminBreast feedingvitamin D deficiencyPhysiologyEnvironmental healthPediatricsEndocrinologyBiologyBiochemistryBreastfeeding Practices and InfluencesChild Nutrition and Water AccessInfant Nutrition and Health