Can I take 20000 IU of vitamin D while breastfeeding?

Vitamin D, human milk, lactation, 25-hydroxyvitamin D

Thirty-five years ago, nutritional rickets was thought to be disappearing (1). Many reports since then, however, indicated that this is not the case (2–5). Most cases reported in the past decade involved darkly pigmented infants who had been breast-fed exclusively. Hypovitaminosis D among breast-fed infants also is a severe problem in sunlight-rich environments such as the Middle East (6). This hypovitaminosis D occurs because sun exposure is extremely limited for both mothers and infants and dietary supplementation at the current daily recommended intake (DRI) of 400 IU/d is inconsequential.

In the past, human milk was thought to be an adequate source of antirachitic activity for neonates and growing infants. Even before the discovery of vitamin D, McCollum et al (7) and Park (8) stated that rickets was attributable to the lack of sunlight and a dietary factor X. They observed that factor X was found in “good breast milk” and cod liver oil and that, although rickets did develop among breast-fed children, it was rarely as severe as that among artificially fed infants. Those investigators did not know that the source of vitamin D in the mother's milk was the mother's exposure to the sun, which cutaneously generated large amounts of vitamin D. Early attempts to quantify the antirachitic potential in human milk were crude and yielded little information.

In the 1980s, the antirachitic activity of human milk was defined with sensitive assays to be 20–70 IU/L (9, 10). Furthermore, almost all of the activity was attributable to vitamin D and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]. Those studies also demonstrated that dietary maternal vitamin D supplementation and ultraviolet light exposure increased the vitamin D content of human milk (11, 12). Specker et al (13) determined that the antirachitic content of human milk was lower among African American than white mothers. If a lactating mother has limited sun exposure and/or limited vitamin D intake (such as occurs with the current 400 IU DRI), then the vitamin D content of her milk is poor, especially if she has darker pigmentation.

Studies among normal adults demonstrated that oral vitamin D intakes of up to 10000 IU/d for a period of 5 mo are safe, with no evidence of toxicity (14, 15). We hypothesized that vitamin D intakes up to 10 times the DRI among lactating women not only would elevate maternal nutritional vitamin D status to safe healthy levels but also would supply the nursing infants, through milk transfer, with adequate vitamin D to prevent hypovitaminosis D. The hypothesis was investigated in this study.

METHODS

Subjects

Fully lactating mothers within 1 month after birth were eligible for inclusion in the study if they planned to continue full breast-feeding for the next 3 mo. The subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups. Exclusion criteria included preexisting type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, parathyroid disease, and uncontrolled thyroid disease.

Study design

This was a randomized controlled trial of lactating mothers. Each subject served as her own control; the vitamin D status at 1 mo was compared with values at 3 additional time points. Mothers were randomized to 1 of 2 vitamin D supplementation regimens. Groups 1 and 2 received 1600 and 3600 IU/d vitamin D2, respectively, in an oral suspension. Both groups received additional multivitamin capsules containing 400 IU vitamin D3 and were instructed to take them daily. Subjects also were instructed to limit sun exposure (for mother and infant). Furthermore, mothers were instructed to limit formula intake by the infant.

Blood, urine, and milk samples were obtained from the mothers at months 1, 2, 3, and 4 of lactation. Infant blood was collected at months 1 and 4 (beginning and end of the study). Maternal serum was monitored for total calcium, vitamin D2, vitamin D3, 25(OH)D2, and 25(OH)D3 concentrations. Infant serum was monitored for vitamin D2, vitamin D3, 25(OH)D2, 25(OH)D3, calcium, and phosphorus concentrations. Mother's urine was monitored for calcium/creatinine ratio. Vitamin D antirachitic activity in mother's milk was assessed through measurement of vitamin D2, vitamin D3, 25(OH)D2, and 25(OH)D3 concentrations in the milk and conversion of findings into biological activity values with reference data from biological activity assays (12).

Vitamin D2 was used as a specific tracking agent for maternal dosing because the contribution of vitamin D2 from other sources would be unlikely or minimal. By using vitamin D2 in this study, we could precisely define the increase in and/or transfer of vitamin D compounds from the mother to her infant without confounding factors such as extradietary intake and sun exposure.

Laboratory measurements

Total blood calcium and urinary calcium and creatinine concentrations were determined in the General Clinical Research Center at the Medical University of South Carolina. Circulating and milk concentrations of vitamin D2, vitamin D3, 25(OH)D2, and 25(OH)D3 were determined with HPLC and radioimmunoassay techniques, as described previously (16–18).

Statistical methods

Groups 1 and 2 were compared at entrance into the study, for determination of potential differences with respect to sociodemographic and baseline clinical characteristics. The main variables of interest were maternal and infant 25(OH)D2, 25(OH)D3, and total circulating 25(OH)D concentrations and milk antirachitic activity with time (in months). Data were analyzed with SAS software (SAS Institute, Cary, NC), with Student's t test, chi-square test, and one-way analysis of variance methods.

RESULTS

A convenience sample of 64 lactating women was enrolled, of whom 29 had stopped breast-feeding by the first visit. Thirty-five women came for the first visit; of those, 18 women (13 white women and 5 African American women), 9 in each group, continued breast-feeding and completed the 3-mo study period. There were 3 African American women in group 1 (2000 IU/d vitamin D) and 2 in group 2 (4000 IU/d vitamin D). The groups did not differ according to age, ethnicity profile, insurance status, number of pregnancies, pregnancy interval, infant sex, birth weight, or gestational age (Table 1).

TABLE 1

Sociodemographic data and clinical factors for subjects as a function of study group

Dietary intakes of vitamin D up to 10 times the DRI for lactating women for a period of 3 mo resulted in no adverse events associated with vitamin D. Serum calcium concentrations all remained in the normal range, and no observation of hypercalcuria was noted (data not shown). This is not surprising, because circulating vitamin D and 25(OH)D concentrations never exceeded normal levels (Figures 1 and 2). There was a significant interaction of vitamin D concentrations with time in both groups. Although subjects in group 1 (who received 1600 IU/d vitamin D2 and 400 IU/d vitamin D3) did not exhibit increases in circulating concentrations of vitamin D3 from baseline to 3 mo (from 1.0 ± 0.4 to 1.2 ± 1.2 ng/mL, mean ± SEM; P < 0.7), they did exhibit increases in circulating vitamin D2 concentrations (from <0.5 to 2.2 ± 0.7 ng/mL; P < 0.01). In this group, circulating 25(OH)D3 concentrations actually decreased during this time period (from 27.2 ± 3.2 to 18.7 ± 1.7 ng/mL; P < 0.02), whereas circulating 25(OH)D2 concentrations increased (from 0.4 ± 0.1 to 17.4 ± 1.0 ng/mL; P < 0.0001). The total circulating 25(OH)D concentrations in this patient group increased from 27.6 ± 3.3 to 36.1 ± 2.3 ng/mL (P < 0.05).

Open in new tabDownload slide

Circulating vitamin D concentrations (mean ± SEM) over time among lactating mothers receiving 1600 IU/d vitamin D2 and 400 IU/d vitamin D3 (n = 9).

Open in new tabDownload slide

Circulating vitamin D concentrations (mean ± SEM) over time among lactating mothers receiving 3600 IU/d vitamin D2 and 400 IU/d vitamin D3 (n = 9).

Compared with group 1, higher concentrations of total circulating 25(OH)D were observed for subjects in group 2 (who received 3600 IU/d vitamin D2 and 400 IU/d vitamin D3). In group 2, circulating vitamin D3 concentrations increased slightly (from 0.9 ± 0.4 to 2.8 ± 1.0 ng/mL; P < 0.06), whereas circulating vitamin D2 concentrations increased from 0.6 ± 0.1 to 6.6 ± 2.4 ng/mL (P < 0.04) (Figure 2). As for group 1, circulating 25(OH)D3 concentrations decreased (from 32.0 ± 2.5 to 18.9 ± 3.0 ng/mL; P < 0.0007), whereas 25(OH)D2 concentrations increased (from 1.8 ± 1.0 to 25.0 ± 2.5 ng/mL; P < 0.0001). Total circulating 25(OH)D concentrations increased from 32.9 ± 2.4 to 44.5 ± 3.9 ng/mL (P < 0.04).

Comparisons between groups 1 and 2 revealed no significant differences at baseline for any of the vitamin D indices for mothers and infants. Although 25(OH)D3 concentrations did not differ between the groups during the study period, there were significant differences between the 2 groups with respect to 25(OH)D2 concentrations (P < 0.01), with higher concentrations in the 4000 IU group.

The changes in milk antirachitic activity observed during the study period are presented in Figure 3. Subjects who received a total of 2000 IU/d vitamin D for 3 mo exhibited increases in milk activity from 35.5 ± 3.5 to 69.7 ± 3.0 IU/L (P < 0.0001), whereas the increase observed in the 4000 IU/d group was from 40.4 ± 3.7 to 134.6 ± 48.3 IU/L (P < 0.0001). This elevation was attributable to increases in milk concentrations of both vitamin D2 and 25(OH)D2 (data not shown).

Open in new tabDownload slide

Milk antirachitic activity (mean ± SEM) over time among lactating mothers receiving 2000 or 4000 IU/d vitamin D (n = 18). Whole-milk samples were evaluated for vitamin D antirachitic activity through measurement of vitamin D2, vitamin D3, 25(OH)D2, and 25(OH)D3 concentrations in the milk; values were converted to biological activity with reference data from biological activity assays.

The increases in circulating 25(OH)D2, 25(OH)D3, and total 25(OH)D concentrations for the infants at baseline and after 3 mo of nursing from mothers receiving 2000 or 4000 IU/d vitamin D are presented in Figures 4 and 5. As with the mothers, there was a significant interaction of vitamin D concentrations with time for both infant groups. Infants of mothers ingesting 2000 IU/d exhibited increases in circulating 25(OH)D3 and 25(OH)D2 concentrations, from 7.9 ± 1.1 to 21.9 ± 4.7 ng/mL (P < 0.02) and from <0.5 to 6.0 ± 1.0 ng/mL (P < 0.0007), respectively. Total circulating 25(OH)D concentrations increased from 7.9 ± 1.1 to 27.8 ± 3.9 ng/mL (P < 0.02).

Open in new tabDownload slide

Circulating 25(OH)D concentrations (mean ± SEM) over time among nursing infants of mothers receiving 1600 IU/d vitamin D2 and 400 IU/d vitamin D3 (n = 9).

Open in new tabDownload slide

Circulating 25(OH)D concentrations (mean ± SEM) over time among nursing infants of mothers receiving 3600 IU/d vitamin D2 and 400 IU/d vitamin D3 (n = 8).

Infants of mothers receiving 4000 IU/d exhibited increases in circulating 25(OH)D3 and 25(OH)D2 concentrations from 12.7 ± 3.4 to 18.8 ± 4.1 ng/mL (P < 0.2, NS) and from 0.8 ± 0.4 to 12.0 ± 1.4 ng/mL (P < 0.0001), respectively. Total circulating 25(OH)D concentrations increased from 13.4 ± 3.3 to 30.8 ± 5.0 ng/mL (P < 0.01). Compared with infants in the 2000 IU group, infants in the 4000 IU group exhibited higher 25(OH)D2 concentrations at the end of the study period (P < 0.003).

DISCUSSION

Rickets was nearly eradicated in the United States with vitamin D fortification of milk in the 1930s (1). However, recent reports showing a resurgence of rickets in infancy focused renewed attention on the vitamin D status of infants and their mothers (2–5). The reported cases occurred almost exclusively among African American infants who were breastfed (2, 3). Why has this been the case? There are 2 major reasons for this affliction. The first is sun paranoia, which is constantly reinforced by the medical profession and the media. We are told to avoid the sun totally or to wear sunscreen. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (19) recommends that newborn infants receive no sun exposure during the first 6 mo of life. By following these recommendations, we disrupt an important endocrine pathway that has evolved over millions of years, ie, the solar-driven production of vitamin D3 in our skin. This lack of solar exposure is especially acute among darkly pigmented individuals, because they require many times the exposure to generate vitamin D3 in the epidermis (20).

The second reason for hypovitaminosis D among breastfed infants is the inadequate DRI value for vitamin D among lactating women. In fact, the DRI of 200–400 IU/d, which was arbitrarily set, is inadequate for the adult population in general (21). The DRI for vitamin D clearly needs to be revised. For example, white individuals exposed (total body) to 10–15 min of peak sunlight in the summer endogenously produce and release into the circulation ∼20000 IU of vitamin D3 (22, 23). It is ironic that the 1989 US Nutrition Guidelines state that 2000 IU/d vitamin D may be harmful (24). This guideline is in error and is based on faulty scientific findings (25). In fact, other work showed that vitamin D intakes up to 10000 IU/d produced no ill effects and elevated circulating 25(OH)D concentrations to the upper limits of the normal range (26).

To our knowledge, no prospective study has been performed to evaluate supplementation with 400 IU/d vitamin D for lactating mothers. In other words, we have no idea what effect the DRI has on the nutritional status of lactating mothers or their nursing infants. However, with the vitamin D intake regression model described by Heaney et al (15), a 400 IU/d intake would increase maternal circulating 25(OH)D concentrations by only 2.8 ng/mL after 5 mo of supplementation. This underscores how irrelevant a 400 IU/d intake is for adults.

We have been able to identify only 3 prospective studies that examined vitamin D supplementation during lactation (27–29). Greer and Marshall (27) found that exclusively breastfed white infants nursed during the winter in a northern climate maintained a “minimally normal” vitamin D status for a period of 6 mo. It should be noted, however, that the circulating 25(OH)D concentrations among the breastfeeding infants declined as the study progressed, as noted in our own study. This decline occurred despite a maternal vitamin D intake of ∼700 IU/d. A Finnish study showed that maternal supplementation with 1000 IU/d vitamin D resulted in a “minimal” increase in circulating 25(OH)D concentrations among nursing infants (28). The same investigators performed a similar study with 2000 IU/d maternal supplementation and found that the nursing infants' vitamin D status improved significantly (29). The increase in maternal circulating 25(OH)D concentrations during the 4-mo study period averaged 23 ng/mL.

Because of the latter observations and the recent work of Vieth et al (14) and Heaney et al (15), we decided to initiate this study to determine the effects of high-dose maternal vitamin D supplementation on the nutritional vitamin D status of mothers and their nursing infants. It is well known that increases in maternal vitamin D intake or solar exposure increase the antirachitic activity of human milk (11–13). It is unknown how this increase in milk concentrations affects the actual circulating concentrations of 25(OH)D among nursing infants. Our study investigated this question by treating lactating mothers with 2000 or 4000 IU/d vitamin D for a period of 3 mo. This supplement included 1600 IU/d vitamin D2 for one group and 3600 IU/d vitamin D2 for the other group. Both groups received 400 IU/d vitamin D3 from their prenatal vitamin supplement. We used vitamin D2 as the major supplement because we could differentially track its metabolism and milk transfer independent of solar or dietary confounders, as noted with vitamin D3. In other words, if vitamin D2 metabolites appeared in the nursing infant's circulation, they could have arrived only through milk transfer from the mother.

Supplementation with high-dose vitamin D for mothers resulted in increases in circulating 25(OH)D concentrations that were completely attributable to increased 25(OH)D2 concentrations (Figures 1 and 2). This increase was more pronounced among mothers who received 3600 IU/d vitamin D2. A similar profile was observed for circulating vitamin D2 (Figures 1 and 2). It is of interest that, in both groups, circulating 25(OH)D3 concentrations decreased although the mothers were receiving 400 IU/d vitamin D3. This observation reinforces the uselessness of a 400 IU DRI for adults. It is important to note that, while the mothers received 4000 IU/d vitamin D for a period of 3 mo, maternal 25(OH)D concentrations were elevated to and remained in a normal healthy range. Again, no adverse side effect was observed.

The initial antirachitic activity in the milk from the mothers in our study was not different from previously reported values (10, 13, 16). The increase in maternal circulating vitamin D and 25(OH)D concentrations resulted in elevation of the antirachitic activity of the mothers' milk (Figure 3). This increase was completely attributable to increased concentrations of vitamin D2 and 25(OH)D2 in the milk (data not shown). A maternal daily intake of 4000 IU/d vitamin D increased the antirachitic activity of milk by ∼100 IU/L. The increase in milk antirachitic activity was directly responsible for increasing the circulating 25(OH)D2 concentrations observed among the nursing infants (Figures 4 and 5). This increase in circulating 25(OH)D2 concentrations among the nursing infants was a direct reflection of the vitamin D2 intake of the mothers.

What can be inferred from the data in the current study? First, we need to address sun exposure or, rather, the lack of it. Individuals are constantly told not to receive direct sun exposure or to wear sunscreen if they do. By following this advice, we are eliminating the initial step in an important endocrine system that can easily generate 10000–20000 IU/d vitamin D (22, 23). How do we compensate for this? It is not likely with an intake of 400 IU/d vitamin D. Other confounding factors include dark skin pigmentation and northern latitudes, which inhibit cutaneous vitamin D3 production (30, 31). We are rapidly becoming completely dependent on dietary supplementation as a means to ensure adequate vitamin D concentrations, and 400 IU/d is far from adequate. Second, maternal intake of 400 IU/d vitamin D does not elevate the nutritional status of mothers or nursing infants. This is indicated by the occurrence of hypovitaminosis D and rickets among breastfed infants (2–4). Maternal intake of 2000 IU/d vitamin D elevates maternal 25(OH)D concentrations, but the amount passed on to nursing infants through the milk is still inadequate to elevate the infants' circulating 25(OH)D concentrations satisfactorily. Maternal intake of 4000 IU/d increases maternal circulating concentrations to a degree that enough vitamin D enters the milk to produce significant effects on the infants' circulating 25(OH)D concentrations.

We conclude that the current DRI of 400 IU/d vitamin D for lactating mothers is irrelevant to the vitamin D nutritional status of mothers and nursing infants. Maternal vitamin D intakes of ≥4000 IU/d appear to be safe and to provide sufficient vitamin D to ensure adequate nutritional vitamin D status for both mothers and nursing infants. Additional detailed studies will be required to determine the optimal vitamin D supplementation regimen for lactating women.

We thank Deanna Fanning, RN, for her tireless efforts in recruiting and retaining subjects, her management of the subject and data files, and her calm demeanor throughout the study period; Medical University of South Carolina General Clinical Research Center for making this study possible; and Dr Thomas C Hulsey and Myla Ebeling for their assistance in statistical analyses.

REFERENCES

7

, , , .

Studies on experimental rickets. XXI. An experimental demonstration of the existence of a vitamin, which promotes calcium deposition

19

American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Environmental Health

Ultraviolet light: a hazard to children

27

, .

Bone mineral content, serum vitamin D metabolite concentrations and ultraviolet B light exposure in infants fed human milk with and without vitamin D2 supplements

30

, , , .

Vitamin D synthesis and metabolism after ultraviolet irradiation of normal and vitamin D-deficient subjects

31

, , .

Influence of season and latitude on the cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D3 synthesis in human skin