What is the recommended daily intake of vitamin D for infants?

The recommended daily intake of vitamin D for infants is 400 IU (International Units). This recommendation is based on the understanding that vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone health by aiding in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for developing bones.

Infants, especially those who are exclusively breastfed, may not receive adequate amounts of vitamin D from breast milk alone. As a result, an adequate intake is vital to prevent conditions such as rickets, which results from vitamin D deficiency. Health authorities, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, endorse this intake as a preventive measure against deficiencies during the critical growth period in infancy.

Thus, 400 IU is seen as sufficient for ensuring that infants develop healthy bones and to meet their physiological needs for this essential nutrient during the first year of life.