ask: I'm sorry doctor, but I do not still understand if a child is alergic to milk and is 2 years old should they take a vitamin D3 suppliment? and if so do they need calcium? The same for breast fed babies? Thank you!

Hi Anon

Thank you for your question!

Is you child deficient in Vitamin D3? There are other sources for Vitamin D other than milk - you can find it in eggs or in salmon, tuna or beef liver (although I am not sure how a 2 year old feels about these foods!). You can also find it added into breakfast cereal that your child can snack on dry, or by using soy milk. There are also many companies that add Vitamin D to their orange juice.

Are you in a sunny area? Even if you are not, try to give your child at least 20 minutes of sun time (without sunscreen) every day. In case your child burns, you can spread out the minutes throughout the day. And always use sun screen after he/she has had their 20 minutes.

Breastmilk is very low in vitamin D - most exclusively breastfed children need assistance with getting this vitamin.

Consider giving your child a Vitamin D supplement.

You mentioned your doctor in your title - is your doctor giving you enough information about your child's needs?