Infant nutrient supplementation.

This review addresses vitamin and mineral supplementation recommendations, practices and rationales, patterns of supplement use, and the relationship between supplementation and nutrient concerns for older infants. According to current recommendations, healthy infants do not need supplements if vitamin D-fortified milk is used, the diet includes adequate vitamin C, and iron-fortified cereals or formula are used. Infants fed human milk exclusively may need vitamin D supplements. Nevertheless, approximately one third to one half of 6- to 12-month-old U.S. infants receive nutrient supplements, as liquid vitamin A, D, and C preparations or multivitamin preparations, with or without iron or fluoride. Recent surveys suggest that most infants have more than adequate vitamin and mineral intakes, with the possible exception of iron. The risk of poor vitamin A status is less likely than the risk of poor water-soluble-vitamin or iron status in the United States. Possibly marginal intakes of zinc and copper (not in currently available infant supplements) suggest the need for further research. Research, infant supplement formulation reevaluation, and education are suggested so that nutrient supplements for prophylaxis can be used most effectively and appropriately.