Osteomalacia, also known as “rickets,”  is bone weakness resulting from Vitamin D deficiency.  We now know that breastfed babies and formula fed babies need Vitamin D supplementation.  Formula has Vitamin D in it, but not enough Vitamin D until the baby is drinking 500 mL (about 17 ounces) of formula per day. 

The National Academy of Sciences recommends a supplement of 200 IU per day of Vitamin D for the following:

1.  All breastfed infants unless they are weaned to at least 500 mL per day of Vitamin D-fortified formula or milk.

2.  All nonbreastfed infants who are ingesting less than 500 mL per day of Vitamin D-fortified formula or milk.

3.  All children and adolescents who do not get regular sunlight exposure, do not ingest at least 500 mL per day of Vitamin D-fortified milk, or do not take a daily multivitamin supplement containing at least 200 IU of vitamin D.