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Vitamins

Vitamins are important for many aspects of growth and development throughout life. An infant’s diet should contain the right combination of vitamins, in the right amounts, to avoid nutritional deficiency or excess and set the scene for good health in later life.

Clinical evidence on the roles of key vitamins in infant development, and their recommended daily intakes, is summarised below.

Water-soluble vitamins

Certain vitamins cannot be stored in the body so must be consumed in adequate amounts in the diet. These water-soluble vitamins are found in fruit, vegetables, and grains.

The B vitamins are a family of water-soluble vitamins that are important in cellular metabolism. Infants who are deficient in B vitamins may suffer growth retardation, anaemia, nerve damage, and problems with their skin, eyes and heart. Eight chemically distinct B vitamins have been identified and their roles in infant development are summarised in the table.1

Role of B vitamins in infant development

Vitamin Role(s)
B1 (thiamin) Metabolism of carbohydrate and fat. Energy expenditure
B2 (riboflavin) Essential for all oxidative processes.  May help absorption of iron
B3 (niacin) Metabolism and energy expenditure
B5 (pantothenic-acid) Metabolism and synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins and fat.  Energy expenditure
B6 Metabolism of protein & carbohydrates.  Haemoglobin synthesis
Biotin Synthesis of fat and glucose, catabolism of amino acids.  Energy expenditure
Folic acid Production and maintenance of red blood cells.  Reduces risk of neural tube defects in unborn babies

B12

 Metabolism of protein and fat.  Energy expenditure.  Production of red blood cells.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is another important water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron and helps protect cells and keep them healthy. Deficiencies in vitamin C can lead to scurvy, delayed wound healing and anaemia.1,2

Fat-soluble vitamins

Bowl of lettuce, lemon and bottle of oil

Fat-soluble vitamins are found in animal fats, dairy foods, and oily fish. (Oily fish such as mackerel, salmon and sardines should be given no more that twice a week to girls and no more than four times for boys)

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin present as pre-formed vitamin A (retinol) or derived from carotenoids such as ß-carotene. As well as being necessary for normal growth and development, vitamin A plays a key role in immune function.1-6 Vitamin A deficiency in infancy is associated with night blindness, poor growth and increased susceptibility to infection.

Another fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin D, is both made in the body (through the action of sunlight on the skin) and derived from the diet. Vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphate levels and is essential for the formation of strong, healthy bones. Vitamin D deficiency is a leading cause of rickets in children.1,7

Vitamin E is important for a baby's metabolism, especially for long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid processes. Breast milk contains four times as much vitamin E as found in cows' milk. All infant milks contain enough vitamin E to help your baby develop. Good dietary sources of vitamin E are margarine, butter, wholemeal cereals and well cooked eggs (for babies over 6 months).

Vitamin K is important for maintaining the normal blood clotting function of the body. Vitamin K is found in breast milk and all infant milks. Good dietary sources of vitamin K are fresh green vegetables such as broccoli, lettuce, cabbage and spinach.

Daily Reference nutrient intakes for vitamins1

Age 0–3 months 4–6 months  7–9 months  10–12 months 1–3 years
Vitamin A 350 µg 350 µg 350 µg 350 µg 400 µg
Vitamin B1 (thiamin)  0.2 mg  0.2 mg  0.2 mg  0.3 mg  0.5 mg
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)  0.4 mg  0.4 mg  0.4 mg  0.4 mg  0.6 mg
Vitamin B3
(niacin) 		 3 mg  3 mg  4 mg  5 mg  8 mg
Vitamin B6  0.2 mg  0.2 mg  0.3 mg 0.4 mg  0.7 mg
Folate  50 µg 50 µg 50 µg 50 µg 70 µg
Vitamin B12 0.3 µg 0.3 µg 0.4 µg 0.4 µg 0.5 µg
Vitamin C 25 mg  25 mg  25 mg  25 mg  30 mg
Vitamin D 8.5 µg 8.5 µg 7 µg 7 µg 7 µg

N.B There are no reference nutrient intakes for vitamins E and K

Click here for more information about the nutritional composition of SMA infant milks.

References:
1. Department of Health. Report on Health and Social Subjects: 41. Dietary reference values for food energy and nutrients for the United Kingdom report of the panel of dietary reference values of the committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy. London: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1991.

2. www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthydiet/nutritionessentials/vitaminsandminerals

3. Ballow M, Wang W, Xiang S. Modulation of B-cell immunoglobulin synthesis by retinoic acid. Clin Immunol Immunopathol 1996; 80: S73-S81. Abstract

4. Blomhoff HK, Smeland EB, Erikstein B, et al. Vitamin A is a key regulator for cell growth, cytokine production, and differentiation in normal B cells. J Biol Chem 1992; 267: 23988-23992. Full text

5. Bendich A. Beta-carotene and the immune response. Proc Nutr Soc 1991; 50: 263-274. Full text

6. Stephensen CB. Vitamin A, infection, and immune function. Annu Rev Nutr 2001; 21: 167-92. Abstract

7. Dunnigan MG, Glekin BM, Henderson JB, et al. Prevention of rickets in Asian children: assessment of the Glasgow campaign. BMJ 1985; 291: 239-242.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  Breast feeding is best for babies.  Infant milks are intended to replace breast milk when mothers do not breast feed.  Good maternal nutrition is important for the preparation and maintenance of breast feeding. Introducing partial bottle feeding may have a negative effect on breast feeding and reversing a decision not to breast feed is difficult.  You should always seek the advice of a doctor, midwife, health visitor, public health nurse, dietitian or pharmacist on the need for and proper method of use of infant milks and on all matters of infant feeding.  Infant milk should always be prepared and used as directed.  Unnecessary or improper use of infant milk may present a health hazard.  Social and financial implications should be considered when selecting a method of infant feeding.
This information is intended for use only by residents of the UK and ROI
© SMA Nutrition 2007