Ask Doctor K: Most infants don’t need supplements

DEAR DOCTOR K: The other day I saw a vitamin and mineral supplement for infants. Should I be giving this to my baby?

DEAR READER: Most babies who regularly breast-feed or take commercial infant formula get all the vitamins and minerals they need. Sometimes, however, your doctor may prescribe certain vitamin and mineral supplements. Do not give your baby any supplements unless your doctor recommends them.

Here are some supplements a doctor might need to prescribe for an infant:

IRON is essential for normal growth and development and the production of red blood cells. Breast milk contains enough iron for the first six months of life. After that, iron-containing foods, such as iron-fortified cereals, dark green vegetables and meats, provide additional iron.

VITAMIN K is critical for a baby’s blood to clot and stop bleeding. Newborns normally have low levels of vitamin K. Right after delivery, all babies receive an injection of vitamin K. This prevents rare but life-threatening cases of excessive bleeding from a vitamin K deficiency.

VITAMIN D is found in infant formula, vitamin D-fortified milk, eggs and fish. The body can also make its own vitamin D, but needs exposure to sunlight to do so. However, too much sun exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer.

If your baby is formula-fed and taking at least 27 to 32 ounces of vitamin D-fortified formula or milk per day, he or she is getting enough vitamin D.

FLUORIDE is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay in children and adults. However, too much fluoride can damage your baby’s developing teeth. Fluoride supplements should not be given during the first six months of life. After six months, your baby may need extra fluoride drops. It will depend on whether your drinking water and/or your baby’s infant formula contains fluoride. Check with your child’s doctor.