Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which vitamin supplement is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics in the first few days of an infant's life?

1. Vitamin D drops

2. Multi vitamin drops

3. It is not necessary to give breastfed infants vitamin supplements

4. Folic acid drops

The correct answer is: Vitamin D drops

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends vitamin D supplementation for breastfed infants shortly after birth to prevent rickets and ensure adequate vitamin D levels. Since breast milk typically does not provide enough vitamin D, especially if the infant is exclusively breastfed, the recommendation is to supplement with vitamin D drops. This practice helps to maintain healthy bone development and metabolism in infants, particularly in regions with limited sunlight exposure, which is essential for natural vitamin D synthesis. While multi-vitamin drops and folic acid supplements may have their uses in specific populations or situations, they are not universally recommended for all infants in the same manner as vitamin D. Additionally, while it is true that some guidelines may indicate that vitamin supplements are not necessary for exclusively breastfed infants in general, the specific focus on vitamin D distinguishes it as a crucial element for newborns in the early days of life. Therefore, the recommendation highlights the importance of vitamin D for infant health.