X
theAsianparent Logo
theAsianparent Logo
Product GuideSign in
  • Awards
    • Parents' Choice Awards 2023
  • Pregnancy
    • Due date calculator
    • I'm pregnant
    • Trying To Conceive
    • Labour
    • After birth
    • Baby loss
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Child
    • Newborn
    • Baby
    • Toddler
    • Pre-Schooler
    • Kid
    • Pre-Teen & Teen
  • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diseases-Injuries
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Meal Planner
    • Health
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Pre-School
    • Primary School
    • Secondary School
    • Primary School Directory
  • Lifestyle
    • Money
    • Travel & Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Home
    • Fitness
    • Contests & promotions
  • News
    • International
    • Health
    • Celebrity
    • Singapore
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Press Releases
  • Project Sidekicks
  • Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • Become A Contributor
  • VIP

Breastfed babies may be deficient in Vitamin D, reveals study

3 min read

Most paediatricians suggest that mothers must exclusively breastfeed infants until at least six months of age. Breastfeeding can reduce the risk of infections in babies and even lessen the probability of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

However, a study suggests that breastfed infants may not be getting enough of vitamin D, as their mothers choose not to to give them supplement drops.

Since breast milk doesn’t contain enough vitamin D required by a baby, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that nursing mums give their babies a daily dose of Vitamin D supplements. If not, the mum can consume the relevant dose of Vitamin D supplements daily, so that the baby gets his share.

While breast milk is a widely recommended food for babies, what’s also important is for the lactating mother to take care of her diet. It’s essential for a nursing mum to ensue that she has a balanced diet so as to provide her baby with nutritious and self-sufficient breast milk. Not considering the cultural differences, according to WebMD, here are some food items a breastfeeding mum have, as part of her balanced diet:

Low-fat dairy products: You can have it in the form of curd, cheese, or milk. But make sure you do have it daily. One of the best sources of calcium, proteins and vitamin B, dairy products give your bones that much-needed strength.

Meat and poultry: Rich in proteins, iron and Vitamin B-12, lactating mums need an extra serving of this to keep their energy level high and have nutritious breastmilk supply.

Legumes: Another rich source of iron, beans, particularly dark-coloured ones like kidney beans and black beans are great breastfeeding food for nursing mums.

Citrus fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, tangerines are all amazing energy-boosting foods, rich in Vitamin C.

Eggs: This is one food that can be had so many different ways that you won't get bored of it. Add to that, they are rich in proteins. Opt for DHA-fortified eggs to boost the level of this essential fatty acid in your milk.

Brown rice: While you may be already eyeing the weighing scale, avoid cutting down on carbs completely. Losing weight too quickly may affect milk production. Mix healthy, whole-grain carbs like brown rice into your diet to keep your energy levels up and make the best-quality milk for your baby.

Leafy Greens: Leafy green vegetables like spinach, dil, and fenugreek are rich in Vitamin A and healthy antioxidants. What's more, they're a good non-dairy source of calcium and contain Vitamin C and iron.

Fluids: Yes, count it in the list of things to be had as a part of your balanced diet while nursing. In order to stay well-hydrated and to keep your energy levels and milk-production up, you must keep having fluids in the form of juices, coconut water and good old H2O. Whatever it is, keep your fluid intake high. Of course, avoid drinks like coffee, tea and alcohol if you don't want an irritable baby in hand.

While these are some of the best foods that you can have as a lactating mother, consult a specialist to figure out the right amount of each item to be had. This is especially essential if you have had health complications or allergies of any sort.

Partner Stories
Great ideas for gifts for Chinese New Year 2023!
Great ideas for gifts for Chinese New Year 2023!
Learn Tech and Media Skills, Gain Industry Exposure and Build a Portfolio. Here’s How Your Child Can Benefit from an Infocomm or Media CCA!
Learn Tech and Media Skills, Gain Industry Exposure and Build a Portfolio. Here’s How Your Child Can Benefit from an Infocomm or Media CCA!
Korean Stars Take Center Stage at Disney Content Showcase in Singapore
Korean Stars Take Center Stage at Disney Content Showcase in Singapore
Health is Your Greatest Wealth. Learn How Your CPF Savings Can Safeguard Your Healthcare Needs and Provide Peace of Mind
Health is Your Greatest Wealth. Learn How Your CPF Savings Can Safeguard Your Healthcare Needs and Provide Peace of Mind

Also READ: 10 Things you need to know about breastfeeding

 

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Divya Nair

  • Home
  • /
  • Breastfeeding & Formula
  • /
  • Breastfed babies may be deficient in Vitamin D, reveals study
Share:
  • The Milky Way: Breastfed Babies Vs. Formula Babies

    The Milky Way: Breastfed Babies Vs. Formula Babies

  • Would you breastfeed in public?

    Would you breastfeed in public?

  • I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

    I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

  • I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

    I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

  • The Milky Way: Breastfed Babies Vs. Formula Babies

    The Milky Way: Breastfed Babies Vs. Formula Babies

  • Would you breastfeed in public?

    Would you breastfeed in public?

  • I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

    I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

  • I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

    I Try Tracy Lee's Hack for Egg Tarts and It's So Easy That Even Kids Can Make it

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Education
    • Events
    • Allergies & Conditions
  • Family Occasions
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Child Safety
    • Health
    • Diseases-Injuries
  • Lifestyle
    • Home
    • Money
    • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diet & Weightloss
  • Normal Delivery
    • Cesarean Delivery
    • Behaviour
    • Secondary School
    • Formula Feeding
  • Ages & Stages
    • Latching & Concerns
    • Festivals & Holidays
    • Education
    • Pre-teen & Teen
  • More
    • TAP Community
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact Us
    • Become a Contributor


  • Singapore flag Singapore
  • Thailand flag Thailand
  • Indonesia flag Indonesia
  • Philippines flag Philippines
  • Malaysia flag Malaysia
  • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
  • India flag India
  • Vietnam flag Vietnam
  • Australia flag Australia
  • Japan flag Japan
  • Nigeria flag Nigeria
  • Kenya flag Kenya
© Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

theAsianparent heart icon
We’d like to send you notifications for the latest news and updates on baby care and health.