Vitamin d drops for infants side effects

Pro Research Analysisby

Searched over 200M research papers

Analyzed relevant papers

Side Effects of Vitamin D Drops for Infants

Introduction to Vitamin D Supplementation in Infants

Vitamin D is essential for the healthy development of infants, particularly for bone health and immune function. However, the administration of vitamin D drops to infants can sometimes lead to side effects, which are important for caregivers and healthcare providers to understand.

Common Side Effects and Toxicity Risks

Hypercalcemia and Hypervitaminosis

While vitamin D toxicity is rare in children, it can occur, especially with high doses or manufacturing errors. Symptoms of toxicity include severe hypercalcemia, hypercalciuria, and nephrocalcinosis, which can be life-threatening . Mild hypercalcemia and hypervitaminosis have also been reported in infants receiving doses at or above the recommended upper intake levels .

Allergic Reactions

High doses of vitamin D supplementation have been linked to an increased risk of allergic reactions. A study found that infants receiving higher doses of vitamin D (30 µg or 1200 IU) had a higher incidence of milk allergy compared to those receiving lower doses (10 µg or 400 IU) . Additionally, infants with high cord blood vitamin D levels were more likely to develop food allergen sensitization .

Immune System Effects

T Cell Regulation

Vitamin D plays a role in immune regulation, particularly in the expression of T regulatory cells (Treg). A study on preterm infants showed that higher doses of vitamin D3 (800 IU/day) significantly increased Treg cell counts compared to lower doses (400 IU/day) . This suggests that vitamin D supplementation can influence immune function, although the long-term implications of these changes are not fully understood .

Conclusion

While vitamin D drops are beneficial for preventing deficiencies in infants, it is crucial to monitor the dosage to avoid potential side effects such as hypercalcemia, allergic reactions, and immune system alterations. Careful administration and regular monitoring of vitamin D levels can help mitigate these risks and ensure the safe use of vitamin D supplements in infants.

Sources and full results

Most relevant research papers on this topic

Effect of free vitamin D2 drops on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in infants with immigrant origin: a cluster randomized controlled trial

Free vitamin D drops and tailored information handouts significantly improved vitamin D status in 6-week-old infants with immigrant background compared to usual care.

RCT

2009·

37citations

·A. Madar et al.

Vitamin D supplementation and risk of toxicity in pediatrics: a review of current literature.

Vitamin D toxicity in children is rare but life-threatening, and monitoring levels is recommended for infants receiving long-term supplementation at or above the recommended upper intake.

Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalHighly Cited

2014·

177citations

·M. Vogiatzi et al.

High-Dose Vitamin D Supplementation Does Not Prevent Allergic Sensitization of Infants.

High-dose vitamin D supplementation does not prevent allergic sensitization in infants, but may increase the risk of milk allergy.

RCTLarge Human Trial

2019·

49citations

·Jenni Rosendahl et al.

Vitamin D supplementation and T Cell Regulation In Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Oral vitamin D supplementation has a dose and time-dependent effect on T regulatory cell expression in premature infants, with the 800 IU dose showing no apparent short-term side effects.

RCTRigorous Journal

2019·

8citations

·H. Aly et al.

High-dose vitamin d intervention in infants--effects on vitamin d status, calcium homeostasis, and bone strength.

Vitamin D3 supplementation with up to 40 g/d from age 2 wk to 3 months is safe and maintains serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels above 80 nmol/liter without causing hypercalcemia or hypercalciuria.

RCTHighly Cited

2012·

85citations

·Elisa M. Holmlund-Suila et al.

Direct infant UV light exposure is associated with eczema and immune development: A Critical Appraisal.

Vitamin D supplementation in high-risk infants increased vitamin D levels but did not reduce eczema, suggesting UV light exposure may be more beneficial for allergy prevention in early life.

RCTRigorous Journal

2019·

7citations

·D. Maslin et al.

Vitamin D Supplementation in Infants With Chronic Congestive Heart Failure

Vitamin D supplementation significantly improves clinical improvement and balances cytokine profiles in infants with chronic congestive heart failure.

RCTHighly Cited

2012·

92citations

·S. Shedeed

In “High-Risk” Infants with Sufficient Vitamin D Status at Birth, Infant Vitamin D Supplementation Had No Effect on Allergy Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Early infancy oral vitamin D supplementation does not appear to reduce the development of early childhood allergic disease in infants with sufficient vitamin D status at birth.

RCTVery Rigorous Journal

2020·

21citations

·K. Rueter et al.

Vitamin D levels of the healthy infants using oral spray or drop form of vitamin D supplement in the first year of life

Infants using oral spray form of vitamin D supplementation have higher levels of vitamin D compared to those using drop form, suggesting it may be a suitable alternative for regular and easy use in children.

Observational StudyRigorous Journal

2021·

3citations

·E. Unsur

Effects of vitamin D supplementation in infancy on growth, bone parameters, body composition and gross motor development at age 3-6 years: follow-up of a randomized controlled trial.

Vitamin D supplementation in infancy led to thinner children at age 3-6 years but no significant differences in functional outcomes.

RCTLarge Human TrialRigorous Journal

2015·

50citations

·Geeta Trilok-Kumar et al.

Try another search

prebiotics and probiotics supplements

vital performance protein powder

vitamin b complex dosage for adults

magnesium and potassium rich foods

what has vitamin d

moderate anxiety disorder