Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. It promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the food we consume and helps strengthen our bones. Infants and young children need adequate amounts of both Vitamin D and calcium to support the growth and development of their bones.
While Vitamin D facilitates calcium absorption， it alone is not enough to maintain bone heath. Calcium is also required to build and maintain strong bones. In fact， 99% of our calcium is stored in our bones and teeth. As such， it is important to ensure that your baby is getting sufficient amounts of both Vitamin D and calcium through their diet and supplementation.
Breast milk or formula is the primary source of nutrition for infants. However， breast milk contains only small amounts of Vitamin D and calcium. As such， it is generally recommended to supplement with Vitamin D drops for infants who are solely breastfed. This ensures that the infant is getting adequate Vitamin D to support their bone health.
Calcium intake for infants can be met through formula or solid foods. For infants who are solely breastfed， they will need to begin consuming calcium-rich solid foods after six months of age. This should include foods such as yogurt， cheese， tofu， and leafy greens. It is important to note that cow's milk should not be introduced as a primary source of calcium until after 12 months of age.
In conclusion， while Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone health， it is not sufficient alone to maintain healthy bones. Adequate calcium intake is also required. Infants and young children require both Vitamin D and calcium to support the growth and development of their bones. Thus， it is important to ensure that your baby is getting sufficient amounts of both Vitamin D and calcium through their diet and supplementation. Consult with a healthcare provider for guidance on how to ensure your baby is meeting their nutritional needs.
