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50
Survey of Vitamin Intake In Infancy.
Attention has recently been drawn to the increasingly large amounts of Vitamin D
being given to infants, now that nearly all dried milks (including national dried milk) and
specially prepared infant cereals contain substantial amounts of added Vitamin D. These
large amounts are unnecessary and occasionally, perhaps in particularly susceptible babies,
they may be harmful.
Interest In this matter having been stimulated by surveys made in other areas,
particularly in Belfast, we decided to collect information about the amount of Vitamin D
being given to three month old babies in West Ham. This age group was chosen because, at
this age, few babies are receiving any foods, apart from milk and vitamin supplements.
West Ham Survey.
The babies included in the survey were those born in January and February, 1956,
and although babies who were not found in their homes were not followed up, the numbers
indicate that only a few were missed.
The health visitors who normally visit all three month old babies recorded the kind
and the amount of milk and of all supplements likely to contain Vitamin D or Vitamin C which
the baby was having. The amount of -these vitamins taken daily by each baby was then calculate:
in the office. In addition to giving us the desired information regarding vitamin intake, the
survey gave interesting Information about the kind of milk which the babies were having.
Results
Feeding
Out of 299 babies for whom the information was recorded -
At the age of 3 months 82 (27%) were completely breast fed,
14 (5%) were partly breast fed and
203 (68%) were artificially fed.
0- the 203 artificially fed 95$ were fed on dried milk (mostly national dried milk).
Vitamin D.
Out of 299 babies -
23% received less than 600 I.U. Vitamin "D" daily.
25% received 600 - 1,000 I.U. Vitamin "D" daily.
51% received 1,000 - 2,000 I.U. Vitamin "D" daily.
1% received over 2,000 I.U. Vitamin "D" daily.
Except for those who were breast fed, all the babies were probably receiving
unnecessary large amounts of Vitamin D, and some were receiving very large amounts. The
wesson to be learnt from this is that although it is essential on account of the climatic
conditions of this country and our smoky atmosphere, to make sure that all babies are
receiving sufficient Vitamin D to prevent rickets, care is needed to ensure that they are
no" receiving amounts which are unnecessary, and may be undesirable. This applies
Particularly to babies fed on dried milk. The health visiting service is now in a better
Position to appreciate the situation and to advise mothers on the amount of Vitamin D
su?Plement which should be given to each individual baby in the light of the milk and
other substances which the baby may be taking.