Vitamin d in infants side effects
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Side Effects of Vitamin D in Infants
Introduction to Vitamin D Supplementation in Infants
Vitamin D is crucial for the healthy development of infants, particularly for bone health and immune function. However, the administration of vitamin D supplements in infants has raised concerns about potential side effects. This article synthesizes findings from multiple studies to provide a comprehensive overview of the side effects associated with vitamin D supplementation in infants.
Potential Adverse Effects of High-Dose Vitamin D
Allergic Sensitization and Allergic Diseases
High doses of vitamin D supplementation in infants have been linked to an increased risk of certain allergic conditions. 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)3. Additionally, infants with high cord blood vitamin D levels were more likely to develop food allergen sensitization3.
Impact on Growth and Body Composition
Vitamin D supplementation can influence growth and body composition in infants. Research indicates that infants supplemented with vitamin D tend to have lower body mass index (BMI) and body mass index z-scores (BMIZ) at ages 3-6 years, suggesting they may be thinner compared to those who did not receive supplementation2 7. However, no significant differences were observed in bone quality or motor development measures2.
Calcium Homeostasis and Bone Health
High doses of vitamin D (up to 40 µg/day) have been shown to maintain adequate serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels without causing hypercalcemia or hypercalciuria, indicating that such doses are generally safe for infants8. However, the long-term effects on bone health remain uncertain, and further studies are needed to confirm these findings8.
Benefits and Risks of Maternal Vitamin D Supplementation
Effects on Exclusively Breastfed Infants
Exclusively breastfed infants are at a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency due to low levels of vitamin D in breast milk. Supplementing lactating mothers with high doses of vitamin D can significantly increase the vitamin D levels in their infants, reducing the risk of deficiency and associated conditions like rickets5 9. However, the evidence on the impact of maternal supplementation on infant bone health is still inconclusive9.
Safety and Efficacy
Studies have shown that maternal supplementation with high doses of vitamin D (e.g., 60,000 IU over 10 days) does not result in adverse effects such as hypercalcemia in either mothers or infants5. This approach can effectively raise serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in infants, thereby preventing vitamin D deficiency5.
Conclusion
While vitamin D supplementation is essential for preventing deficiency and promoting bone health in infants, it is crucial to balance the dosage to avoid potential side effects. High doses of vitamin D can increase the risk of allergic sensitization and affect growth patterns, although they do not appear to cause immediate adverse effects like hypercalcemia. Maternal supplementation is a viable strategy to enhance vitamin D levels in exclusively breastfed infants, but further research is needed to fully understand its long-term impact on bone health. Careful monitoring and tailored dosing are recommended to ensure the safe and effective use of vitamin D supplements in infants.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Vitamin D: Before, during and after Pregnancy: Effect on Neonates and Children
Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy and infants can lead to complications, such as low birth weight, lower bone mass, and potential autoimmune diseases and autism.
Very Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedEffects 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.
RCT
Large Human Trial
Rigorous JournalHigh-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 TrialVitamin 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 JournalOral Supplementation of Parturient Mothers with Vitamin D and Its Effect on 25OHD Status of Exclusively Breastfed Infants at 6 Months of Age: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial.
Oral supplementation of 60,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily for 10 days in the early postpartum period significantly raises serum 25OHD levels in exclusively breastfed infants at 6 months of age.
RCTVitamin D supplements in pregnant Asian women: effects on calcium status and fetal growth.
Vitamin D supplements during pregnancy in Asian women improve calcium status and fetal growth, with no side effects observed.
RCTHighly CitedEffect of Vitamin D Supplementation in Early Life on Children’s Growth and Body Composition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy or infancy may be associated with reduced adiposity in childhood.
Meta-AnalysisVery Rigorous JournalHigh-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 CitedVitamin D supplementation for term breastfed infants to prevent vitamin D deficiency and improve bone health.
Vitamin D supplementation for infants may increase vitamin D levels and reduce the incidence of vitamin D insufficiency, but more research is needed to determine its impact on bone health and rickets risk.
Meta-AnalysisVery Rigorous JournalEffect of Oral Vitamin D3 Supplementation in Exclusively Breastfed Newborns: Prospective, Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Oral vitamin D3 supplementation at 400 IU/d from 10 days of age in exclusively breastfed infants increased serum 25(OH)D levels at 4 months of age, but did not affect bone mineralization.
RCTVery Rigorous Journal