Without supplementation of a specific vitamin, exclusively breastfed infants are at risk for developing which condition?

Without supplementation of a specific vitamin, exclusively breastfed infants are at risk for developing which condition?

• A. Rickets
• B. Scurvy
• C. Anemia
• D. Beriberi

Answer: (A)

Vitamin D is essential for calcium and phosphorus absorption and bone mineralization. Exclusively breastfed infants often don’t receive enough vitamin D from breast milk alone, so without supplementation they can develop vitamin D deficiency that disrupts bone mineralization, leading to rickets. This condition features soft, weak bones and potential skeletal deformities as the child grows. To prevent it, a daily vitamin D supplement of about 400 IU is recommended from birth for all breastfed or partially breastfed infants, continuing through infancy, especially if sun exposure is limited or formula intake is not providing enough vitamin D. Other deficiencies like vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), thiamine deficiency (beriberi), or iron deficiency anemia are not the typical outcome of not supplementing vitamin D in exclusively breastfed infants.

Vitamin D is essential for calcium and phosphorus absorption and bone mineralization. Exclusively breastfed infants often don’t receive enough vitamin D from breast milk alone, so without supplementation they can develop vitamin D deficiency that disrupts bone mineralization, leading to rickets. This condition features soft, weak bones and potential skeletal deformities as the child grows. To prevent it, a daily vitamin D supplement of about 400 IU is recommended from birth for all breastfed or partially breastfed infants, continuing through infancy, especially if sun exposure is limited or formula intake is not providing enough vitamin D. Other deficiencies like vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), thiamine deficiency (beriberi), or iron deficiency anemia are not the typical outcome of not supplementing vitamin D in exclusively breastfed infants.