*This blog post was sponsored by Ddrops
I remember when we were discharged from the hospital to take Mía home 3 years ago we were given a little bottle of vitamin D and instructed to give one drop a day and the same instructions were given when we were leaving this time with Aría. However, it was never explained to me why or for how long my baby should be getting supplementation. I mean, I knew because I am a pharmacist but for all of those new parents leaving with their little babies that aren't... would they know? So when I was asked to give my audience a reminder about vitamin D supplementation, it was a no brainer and I gladly put my Pharmacist hat on. So let's start from the beginning.
Why do we need vitamin D?
Having adequate calcium and vitamin D throughout life as part of a well-balanced diet, supports good bone health. Vitamin D also plays an important role in protecting your bones by helping your body absorb calcium better and by supporting muscles needed to avoid falls. The natural source of vitamin D is sunlight, but many people (especially us Canadians) have difficulty getting enough direct exposure consistently and safely so that our skin can make it.
Who may be at risk of not getting enough vitamin D?
Anytime our bodies are going through periods of rapid growth such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, infancy, childhood and adolescence. Individuals who have darker skin maybe deficient because it takes pigmented skin longer to make vitamin D. Also any individuals who are mainly indoors and who may not be getting enough direct sun exposure in a safe way.
Vitamin D supplementation isn't just recommended for breastfed infants, it is recommended by Health Canada that individuals of all ages receive supplementation throughout their lifetime. Breastfed Infants have less sun exposure (especially in northern countries) and depend largely on their Mother's vitamin D supply from the breastmilk. Infants from birth until the age of one are recommended to receive 400IU a day and when I posted my first post on Instagram it was surprising to me how many comments and private messages I received from parents that stopped supplementing their child once they were over the age of one. Most had no idea that Ddrops had a Booster dose product that provides a 600IU dosage which is great for children age one and older.
How to Administer Ddrops
The Euro Ddropper is incorporated into the mouth of the bottle and accurately dispenses each drop so all you have to do is simply turn the bottle upside down. For breastfed infants you can apply the drop to the nipple prior to breastfeeding or to a clean finger and have the child lick it off. The product is odourless and tasteless, so there isn't a worry that it could interfere with breastfeeding. For an older child or toddler, you can add a drop to their food or a drink like a drop in their oatmeal or cereal every morning. Mía prefers hers on spoon after breakfast, I think mainly because she sees me dispensing it to Aría and she likes to see the drop on the spoon before licking it off.
Ddrops also makes a few 1000IU products for adults including a vegan formulation. We can often forget about making sure we are supplemented properly when we are busy caring for our little kiddos but it’s easy to incorporate a drop of sunshine into the whole family's day. I find adding it to our morning breakfast routine is the best way to ensure that we all get our drops in. It is important to remember that this blog post is to be informative of the products available for Vitamin D supplementation and general dosing recommendations for you and your family. It is always advisable to speak with your healthcare provider (Physician or Pharmacist) before starting supplementation or if you have further questions.
xo
Thanh
*Thank you for continuing to support the brands and companies that support this blog and my family*