Can a 6-month-old baby obtain vitamin D from food?
Mar 04, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, 6-month-old infants can obtain vitamin D from food. Vitamin D naturally exists in some foods, especially animal-based foods such as fatty fish, animal liver, egg yolks, and lean meat, as well as in cod liver oil, cheese, nuts, and certain seafood. Although breast milk is one of the most important sources of nutrition for infants, its vitamin D content is relatively low.
Under normal circumstances, a 6-month-old baby can obtain vitamin D from food sources. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Vitamin D naturally exists in certain foods, especially fatty fish, animal livers, egg yolks, and lean meats, as well as in cod liver oil, cheese, nuts, and some seafood. Although breast milk is one of the most important sources of nutrition for infants, its vitamin D content is relatively low, making it difficult to fully meet the baby's vitamin D requirements. The vitamin D content of infant formula varies by product, so it is necessary to calculate the daily intake to determine whether additional supplementation is required. Babies can obtain increased amounts of vitamin D by consuming foods fortified with vitamin D, such as vitamin D-enriched infant formulas and milk.
In addition, the digestive system of a 6-month-old baby has gradually matured, enabling better absorption of nutrients, including vitamin D, from food. With the introduction of complementary foods, babies can obtain vitamin D from a wider variety of food sources, further meeting their growth and development needs.
During sunny weather, it is appropriate to take the baby outdoors for activities, but exposure to strong ultraviolet rays at midday should be avoided to prevent damage to the baby's delicate skin.
