Primary Care Perspectives: Episode 118 - Infant Nutrition

The AAP recommends that infants get 400 IUs of vitamin D per day; fewer than 40% meet this guideline. Erica Schwab, RD, LDN, a clinical dietitian who supports the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, discusses: why most babies, whether breast- or formula-fed, need vitamin D supplementation; how to know when to stop supplementation; good sources of vitamin D for babies transitioning to solid food; why Vitamin D is vital to the health and growth of babies; a review of rickets (breast-fed, non-supplemented infants are at highest risk); and risk groups that may require additional vitamin D supplementation, including preemies. She also provides a review of iron guidelines, including: when to start and stop iron supplementation for breast-fed infants; tips for getting babies to take iron; how to take a dietary history to ascertain whether supplementation is needed; differences between U.S. and European formulas; where to refer for complicated cases; and more. Published January 2022. This podcast is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not to be considered as medical advice for any particular patient. Clinicians must rely on their own informed clinical judgment in making recommendations to their patients. ©2022 by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, all rights reserved.