Why is fluoride an important part of an infant's diet, and what ...

[colton]

Why is fluoride an important part of an infant's diet, and what are the current recommendations regarding need for supplementation?

Question 2

Several cases of rickets in breastfed infants have been reported nationwide in recent years. What is the cause, and how can this be prevented from becoming a more widespread problem?

[Amiracle]

Answer to Question 1

Fluoride is needed to form teeth and can help prevent dental caries later in life. Parents need to check to see if local water supply is fluoridated. If not, then fluoride supplementation is recommended. The recommended dosage for fluoride is 0.25 mg/day for children between 6 months and 3 years of age.

Answer to Question 2

Women with low sun exposure due to such factors as skin color, cloud cover, smog, and/or use of sunscreen may have low concentrations of vitamin D in their breast milk. In the U.S., in recent years, several cases of rickets in breastfed infants have been reported. The AAP recommends that breastfed infants and formula-fed infants consuming less than 16 oz. of infant formula daily receive vitamin D supplements (400 IU/day) beginning the first few days of life.

[colton]

TYSM

[peter]

Excellent