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Do babies need to take a vitamin and mineral supplement?

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Question added by Ayman Khalil
Date Posted: 2015/05/04
Annabelle Alameda
by Annabelle Alameda , Pediatric Nurse/ Nurse Phlebotomist , Kadoon Company

In most cases, breast milk or formula provides just about everything a baby needs for the first four to six months. The exception is vitamin D, which is recommended as a supplement for breastfed babies and babies who drink less than32 ounces of formula per day.After age4 to6 months, as your baby's diet gradually changes from an all-liquid diet to one that contains more and more solid food, your doctor may or may not recommend additional vitamin supplements.Babies who eat a variety of foods over time shouldn't need them, but there are exceptions. For example, supplements may be necessary if your baby was born prematurely, at a low birth weight, or small for gestational age; consistently drinks less breast milk or formula than other babies his age and doesn't make up the difference with food: or has chronic health problems that affect his ability to eat. Be sure to ask your baby's healthcare provider if you have special concerns,

Sami Alhallaq
by Sami Alhallaq , General Pysician , International Medical Corps

Thanks for your consultation If the baby is on regular breast feeding,,no need for any other supplements even water during the1st4 months The supplements are needed in special cases not on regular basis

Jery Adams
by Jery Adams , Translator , mycompany

As a parent, I've researched whether babies need vitamin and mineral supplements. Generally, breast milk or formula provides infants with the essential nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. However, some pediatricians may recommend vitamin D drops for breastfed babies, as breast milk alone may not provide enough of this nutrient. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before giving any supplements to your baby, as their needs can vary based on factors like diet, health conditions, and sun exposure.

   

khaled alloubani
by khaled alloubani , Family Physician Doctor , Al Rabia Medical Center

Most babies who regularly breast-feed or take commercial infant formula get all the vitamins and minerals they need except vitamin D .

premature babies may need. 

Batoul Al Mazloum
by Batoul Al Mazloum , Senior Sales Marketing Executive , Media Solutions

The mother's milk is extraordinary, it's very beneficial ! no need for vitamins and minerals all are provided except vitamin D( many people have vitamin D deficiency ) but it's not a big deal. Babies require vitamins and mineral supplements only if the mother's milk is defective otherwise it's not necessary.

KHIRIA SALEM SAADI SAADI
by KHIRIA SALEM SAADI SAADI , رئيس /ة قسم البرامج الثقافية والفنية , المركز الوطني لمكافحة الأمراض

 in the first 4 -6 months if the baby is breast fed no need for vitamin and meniral   suplement 

unless the baby born premature

and when complementary food started in the best way also no need to add vit. or meniral suplement

Mother's milk is the best source of vitamins and minerals, unless there is a need more to add prescribe by doctors, or pediatrician, ike other vitamins.

Maria Anna Carmela Gualberto
by Maria Anna Carmela Gualberto , Staff nurse , Al Hammadi Hospital

Vitamin D needed by the babies, babies can get other vitamins and minerals from the mothers milk that why full breastfeeding very much important up to 2 years of age.

As a parent, I've often wondered if my baby needs a vitamin and mineral supplement. After consulting with my pediatrician, I learned that breast milk or formula provides most of the essential nutrients babies need in their first year. However, depending on certain factors like breastfeeding duration, maternal diet, and exposure to sunlight, some babies may require a vitamin D supplement. It's always best to talk to your pediatrician before giving any supplements to your baby to ensure they're getting the right nutrients for their growth and development.

Jessita Melencion
by Jessita Melencion , Staff Nurse , Englewood Hospital

Babies who are exclusively breastfed by healthy mothers doesn't need to take other vitamins and minerals because the breast milk itself is nutritionally  optimal for the baby not unless if the baby has special needs like macro/micronutrient deficiency.

for  babies taking breast milk or formula provides just about everything a baby needs for the first four to six months. The exception is vitamin D, which is recommended as a supplement for breastfed babies and babies who drink less than32 ounces of formula per day.After age4 to6 months, as your baby's diet gradually changes from an all-liquid diet to one that contains more and more solid food, your doctor may or may not recommend additional vitamin supplements.

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