According to AAP guidelines, how much vitamin D should breastfed infants receive within the first few days of life?

Breastfed infants are recommended to receive a daily supplementation of 400 IUs (10 mcg) of vitamin D, starting within the first few days of life. This recommendation is important because breast milk typically does not contain sufficient amounts of vitamin D to meet an infant's needs. Vitamin D is crucial for healthy bone development and plays a significant role in preventing rickets, a condition linked to vitamin D deficiency.

The guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasize the importance of starting vitamin D supplementation early in a breastfed infant's life, as this is a critical period for growth and development. As a result, 400 IUs is recognized as the optimal dose to ensure infants receive adequate vitamin D to support their health. This aligns with public health recommendations aimed at reducing the risk of vitamin D deficiency in infants.