Mineral and vitamin D adequacy in infants fed human milk or formula between 6 and 12 months of age

Osteoporosis, the loss of skeletal bone in adulthood, may be influenced by disease and nutrition during childhood. It is unclear, however, whether feeding practices during infancy affect long-term health. The goal of infant calcium and phosphorus nutrition usually refers to the short-term consequences of normal growth, adequate bone mineral content, and avoiding rickets (vitamin D deficiency). It is difficult to recommend appropriate nutrient levels of minerals and vitamin D for 6- to 12-month-old infants. This report evaluates the issue of calcium nutrition and health in this group of infants. Infant formulas and cow milk provide adequate vitamin D. However, the amount of vitamin D in human milk is highly variable and supplementation may be advisable. Phosphorus is also more limited in human milk than in formula, but cow milk products used during weaning may contain high levels of phosphorus. Excessive phosphorus interferes with calcium metabolism. Although human milk contains less calcium than formula, it is efficiently absorbed and provides equivalent amounts. However, cow milk intake, if equivalent to human milk or formula, may provide excess calcium, which would overload the kidneys of infants. Finally, infants fed human milk and given vitamin D supplements and beikost (foods other than milk and formula) have a bone mineral content similar to that of infants fed cow milk or soy-based formulas. There is little association between higher levels of calcium and phosphorus in some formulas for older infants and the extent of bone mineralization. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)