There are many vitamin D supplements out there to achieve this – many of which you will only need to place one drop on your nipple once daily prior to feeding. This is because breast milk alone does not typically supply adequate amounts. So, if you are breastfeeding, is your baby getting enough of this important nutrient? Currently, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusively breastfed infants receive 400 IU per day of vitamin D supplementation to prevent deficiency. It’s amazing how much this one little hormone does in our body! Current research suggests that vitamin D helps support healthy breast tissue and may even help prevent breast cancer cells from growing. Optimal vitamin D levels can help protect against many diseases including diabetes, high blood pressure, infections, autoimmune disorders, multiple sclerosis, and even some types of cancer. There are lab tests that can be done to check your levels, along with readily available supplements if you are diagnosed as having low vitamin D. If you are experiencing some of these symptoms, you may want to reach out to your care provider for further evaluation. Some common symptoms of low vitamin D include: Individuals with darker skin tones do not make as much vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, and those of us who cover up or use sunscreen also inhibit our body’s synthesis. It is estimated that over 40% of American adults are vitamin D deficient, with rates even higher for black and Hispanic Americans. We can also get it from certain foods, but the sun is our main source for synthesizing vitamin D. Vitamin D is actually a hormone that is made when our skin is exposed to sun (which is then activated by the liver and kidneys). It helps our immune system function properly, aids in cancer prevention, reduces inflammation, helps build bone, and even helps improve our mood. So what’s all the hype about vitamin D, you ask? Well, vitamin D plays many vital roles in our body. Let’s talk about vitamin D, specifically what its role is in our body and how it relates to breast health and breastfeeding. Many of us have heard of vitamin D since it started getting more attention in recent years.
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