Abstract
Recommendations for giving supplemental Vitamin D to various sub-groups of breast-fed (BF) infants remain unclear. In a study of mostly fair-skinned BF infants adequate serum 25-OH-Vit.D was reported with brief outdoor exposure (Specker et al:J.Pediatr.107, 372, 1985). In black BF infants nutritional rickets has been mostly attributed to restrictive dietary and social habits. The need for supplemental Vit.D was examined in a northern urban group of black BF infants. All were full-term, & without malabsorption, hepatic or renal disease. (1) In a preliminary study 10 infants, 5-37mos., were diagnosed clinically as having nutritional rickets, and confirmed biochemically and radiologically. In 7/10 infants, families had no restrictions in diet or use of medical care; 5/7 tested before treatment had serum 25-OH-Vit.D x = 6.4ng/ml, range 2.0-13.4 (Adult nl: 10-60). All had a history of being BF without Vitamin D supplements. (2) Prospectively we studied asymptomatic black BF infants who were not receiving Vit.D or formula supplements. In 9 infants, 2-10mos., three (5, 6, 10mos) had rickets by X-ray findings. Serum 25-OH-Vit.D was <10ng/ml in 7/9 (x = 7.6; range 1.2-13.0)
We conclude that nutritional rickets, both clinical and sub-clinical, occurs in black BF infants without restrictive dietary or social habits if not supplemented with Vitamin D. The need for clear guidelines for Vitamin D supplementation in such a sub-group of breast-fed infants is suggested.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Greig, F., Bastawros, M. IS VITAMNIN D NEEDED IN BLACK BREAST - FED INFANTS TO PREVENT RICKETS?. Pediatr Res 21 (Suppl 4), 268 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00608
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00608