"DOES A BREASTFEEDING INFANT NEED EXTRA VITAMINS?"

"I have a 4-month-old boy, who is exclusively breastfed and growing perfectly. At his 4-month visit to the pediatrician, the doctor told me to start him on a vitamin supplement (Tri Vi Sol), since he's breastfeeding. I thought the best thing I could do for him was to breastfeed? I don't understand why I need to give him extra vitamins. (Not to mention that this product has coloring and flavoring added - WHY?) My husband is worried about not getting enough vitamin D in the winter without supplementation. Is he right? Please advise!"

Unless their doctor determines otherwise, exclusively breastfed term infants do not need extra vitamins. Human milk contains all of the essential vitamins. As long as your infant is getting enough milk, he or she is getting enough vitamins. Commercial formulas also contain all the essential vitamins, providing your infant consumes the entire can of formula each day. If your infant averages thirty-two ounces of formula (one liter) a day, extra vitamins are unnecessary unless he needs extra nutrition � for prematurity, for example. If and when your infant drinks less than this amount of formula each day, supplemental vitamins are advised depending on the consistent intake of solid foods. Regarding vitamin D: unless you live above the artic circle, you will get enough sunlight for your body to make the needed amounts of vitamin D.