Baby Ddrops® is a new and innovative liquid
vitamin D that is specifically designed for breastfed babies. Parents may find this list of frequently asked questions helpful to better understand the product
and how to use it properly.
Baby Ddrops® FAQ
» Why do I need to give vitamin D to my baby if I am breastfeeding?
- Breast milk is the optimal food for infants. The one thing it almost never contains is vitamin D. When a mother has low vitamin D blood levels then her breast milk does not contain the sunshine vitamin. Because vitamin D3 is usually obtained by exposing skin to summer sunshine, vitamin D is that one nutrient most often deficient in breast milk.
- Vitamin D deficiency can result in Rickets (a painful disease associated with a softening of the bones and growth plates). Cases of vitamin D deficiency rickets have been confirmed in infants and toddlers in Canada.
- Recent studies suggest that optimal vitamin D status may be important as protection against the development of other diseases. (i.e. diabetes, colorectal cancer, allergies)
- The D Drops Company cannot make medical recommendations. Some medical associations have developed guidelines based on years of research and published literature. The best advice comes from your physician.
- Health Canada states that infants fed on commercially available breast milk substitutes (i.e. formula) do not need a vitamin D supplement since formula is already fortified with 100 IU/ 250 mL.i
- The recent American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that partially breastfed infants should be supplemented with 400 IU/day of vitamin D until they ingest > 1L/day of vitamin D-fortified formula or whole milk. (Whole milk should not be used until after 12 months of age)ii
- The AAP also recommends that non-breastfed infants who are ingesting < 1,000 mL of vitamin D-fortified formula, should receive a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU/day.iii
» Why shouldn't I just expose my baby to sunlight to ensure adequate absorption of vitamin D?
- While UVB rays from sunlight are a main source of vitamin D for humans, the Canadian Dermatology Association, Health Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society urge us not to expose infants under 1 year to direct sunlight. They also impress upon us the importance of wearing sunscreen to protect ourselves from skin cancer.
- Canadian Dermatology Association and Health Canada advise that infants under 1 year should be kept out of direct sunlight due to the risk of skin canceriv. The Canadian Cancer Society also recommends to keep babies less than 1 year old out of direct sunv.
- The use of sunscreen with a sun protection factor of eight reduces the skin production of vitamin D by 97.5% in adultsvi.
» How do I give my infant Baby Ddrops®?
- Ddrops® products, including Baby Ddrops® are specifically designed for breastfed babies.
- One drop goes on any clean surface such as mom's nipple, or a clean pacifier, then is sucked off the clean surface rather than dropped directly into the baby's mouth.
- It is tasteless, so it goes in unnoticed.
- For detailed instructions see How to use Baby Ddrops®.
» How much should I give? What is the recommendation?
- The D Drops Company cannot make medical recommendations. Some medical associations have developed guidelines based on years of research and published literature. The best advice comes from your physician.
- The Canadian Paediatric Society, Dietitians of Canada and Health Canada recommend a vitamin D supplement from birth onwards.vii
- Breastfed infants should be given 400 IU (10ug) of Vitamin D daily, until the infant's diet includes at least 400 IU per day or until the baby reaches 1 yr of age.
- This recommended daily intake level has been in place in Canada for breastfed infants since 1967. This was reviewed in Canada in 2004, and continues to be the Canadian recommendation.
- The latest recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatricians encourages breast-fed and formula-fed infants to receive 400 IU of Vitamin D daily.viii
» Is there a concern about overdosing my baby? What if I give too much? What is the most I can give?
- "The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for vitamin D for infants up to one year of age is set at 25ug (1,000 IU) per day which is based on studies examining the highest intake at which no adverse affects were observed on linear growth."ix. (based on Health Canada 2004). - Note: the UL is defined as the highest continuing daily intake of a nutrient that is likely to pose no health risks for almost all individuals.
- One purified drop of Baby Ddrop® contains 400 IU of vitamin D3, so 2-3 drops would represent the tolerable upper limit of vitamin D3 for infants.
- More info - The UL was set by a systematic approach. In the case of vitamin D, the critical adverse effect of vitamin D was retarded linear growth, observed at vitamin D intakes of 1,800-4,500 IU per day. A (NOAEL) level at which no adverse effects were observed is at 1,800 IU per day. A factor of 1.8 was applied to the NOAEL to account for any data uncertainty, resulting in the UL of 1,000 UI.x
» I think that I accidently gave my baby 2 drops instead of just one drop. What should I do?
- One purified drop of Baby Ddrop® contains 400 IU of vitamin D3, so 2 drops would represent 800 IU which is under the tolerable upper limit of 1000 IU vitamin D3 for infants.
- The next day's dose can also be skipped, to make-up for the second drop.
» Can I be sure of the exact dose each time?
- Baby Ddrops® uses the "Eurodropper" technology. The size of each drop is based on surface tension and the stickiness between the oil and the dropper. These factors remain constant, thus ensuring a consistent drop size every time.
- To slow down how quickly the drop comes out, the bottle is tilted slightly from vertical. Unlike an eyedropper with a rubber bulb, there is no need to do anything other than hold the bottle upside down, and the liquid does not get contaminated by the rubber bulb.
- We consider the Eurodropper format safer for infants than an eyedropper style liquid vitamin D: A Eurodropper limits the amount of vitamin D dosage that can get out by accident, since it comes one drop at a time. The contents also cannot all spill out if the bottle tips over. The eyedropper can get dirty easily.
» What is the best time of day to give Baby Ddrops®
- Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, so it is stored in the body until it is required. Therfore, the time of day is not a factor when giving Ddrops®. The best advice is to establish a daily routine that allows parents to remember to give the drop consistently each day.
» What are the differences between the Baby Ddrops® and other vitamin D drops?
- Here are some of the differences between Baby Ddrops® and other vitamin D drops (also referred to as 'conventional water-based vitamin D drops).
| Baby Ddrops® | Convention Water-Based Vitamin D drops |
| Baby Ddrops® is the sunshine vitamin in just one drop®! | Administered as 1 millilitre daily as a full squeeze from an eye dropper. |
| Baby Ddrops® is tasteless, odourless with no artificial flavours, no colouring and requires no preservatives. It is wheat-free, gluten-free, soya-free, sugar-free and peanut-free. | Contain vitamin D, water, artificial flavours, colouring and a surfactant (detergent) to keep vitamin D in solutionxi. |
| Baby Ddrops® is stable. It has a long shelf life and does not require refrigeration. | Once opened, conventional water-based drops must be discarded after 50 days.xii |
| Baby Ddrops® comes in a 90 dose glass bottle. | Conventional drops come in a 50 dose bottle. |
» When should I stop giving vitamin D?
- The D Drops Company cannot make medical recommendations. Some medical associations have developed guidelines based on years of research and published literature. The best advice comes from your physician.
- The D Drops Company cannot make medical recommendations. Some medical associations have developed guidelines based on years of research and published literature. The best advice comes from your physician.
- Health Canada refers to a DRI (Daily Reference Intake) of 200 IU/day for babies >1 year. A supplement may be recommended for children whose diet contains <200 IU of vitamin D.
- The recent American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that older children and adolescents who do not obtain 400 IU/day of vitamin D through fortified milk (100 IU per 250mL serving) or through vitamin D-fortified foods (such as fortified cereals, eggs, fish) should receive a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU/day.xiii
» What else is in this product?
- Baby Ddrops® contains naturally-sourced vitamin D and a thin vegetable oil. The oil is purified from coconut and palm kernel oil. There is no chemical treatment involved. The oil is distilled and is similar to the oils present in breast milk.
- It is wheat-free, gluten-free, soya-free, sugar-free and peanut-free. It is tasteless, odourless with no artificial flavours, no colouring and requires no preservative. Consumers may want to compare this list of ingredients with those in conventional water-based products.
» What is the source of the vitamin D?
- Vitamin D3 is the form naturally produced in human skin exposed to sunlight. Drops® brand vitamin D3 is a naturally sourced from lanolin (the oil obtained from wool of sheep and lambs). The lanolin is exposed to ultraviolet light to activate the fat that then turns into vitamin D3. The vitamin D3 is purified and used for our vitamin D3 supplement found in Ddrops® brands. Although Ddrops® brand vitamin D3 is an animal sourced product, the animal is not harmed during this process. Ddrops® are suitable for lacto-ovo vegetarians.
» How long is the product good for?
- The expiry date is printed on the bottle, as well as the box. The product has a stable shelf-life for several years beyond time of manufacturing.
- The oil used in Baby Ddrops® is purified to remove elements that tend to go bad. This oil does not go rancid when exposed to air, and the amber glass bottle protects it from light. The oil protects the vitamin D, keeping it stable.
» Does Baby Ddrops® need to be refrigerated once the bottle is opened?
- Baby Ddrops® products do not require refrigeration.
» What if the Ddrops® bottle is left outside and freezes?
- Stability testing for Ddrops® products has been done between 15°C and 30°C.
- We have tested the effects of freezing on Ddrops®. It does become hard at temperatures below freezing, but after it thaws back to room temperature, Ddrops® returns back to normal.
» My bottle of Baby Ddrops® seems to be only ¼ full? Has some product leaked out?
- Baby Ddrops® 400 IU is sold as a 90 drop or 2.5mL product. The bottle size used for Ddrops® products is a standard size of 15mL, so it appears to be partially full, although it contains enough product to dispense at least 90 drops (or 2.5mL).
- Always check the safety seal and look for signs of leakage.
» How much does Baby Ddrops® cost?
- The price may vary from retailer to retailer, however Baby Ddrops® retails for approximately $16. There are 90 drops in a bottle, which provide a total of 90 doses. This works out to approximately 20 cents per 1 drop dose.
- When comparing the price of Baby Ddrops® with other infant liquid vitamin D products, make sure to compare the cost on a per dose basis. Typically, other liquid vitamin D products provide a total of 50 doses. In our experience, Baby Ddrops® is a cost effective choice on a per dose basis.
- As part of the commitment to Health Canada, The D Drops Company does not give product directly to the public.
- Some physicians, birthing centre and midwives have samples of Baby Ddrops®.
» Where can I buy Baby Ddrops®?
- You can find Baby Ddrops® in most health food stores, several large drug chains and online retailers. For more details, go to "Where to buy". As our distribution of Baby Ddrops® is expanding, we are updating this page on a regular basis.
» I have not heard about Baby Ddrops® before... my doctor has not told me about this. Why?
- Baby Ddrops® is a new product that utilizes innovative technology and physicians are becoming more aware of this alternative to other infant supplements.
- Baby Ddrops® was developed by Canadian researchers and is used at many Canadian hospitals.
1Vitamin D supplementation for breastfed infants 2004 - Questions and Answers document -Health Canada, Food and Nutrition, Children and Nutrition
2Wagner, Carol L et. al. Prevention of Rickets and Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants, Children and Adolescents Paediatrics 2008; vol. 122 No. 5 p. 1142-1152
3Wagner, Carol L et. al. Prevention of Rickets and Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants, Children and Adolescents Paediatrics 2008; vol. 122 No. 5 p. 1142-1152
4Health Canada, www.healthcanada.ca/nutrition
5Canadian Cancer Society. Protect Yourself from the Sun. Canadian Cancer Society
6Health Canada, Health Canada
7Vitamin D supplementation for breastfed infants 2004. Health Canada recommendation document
8Wagner, Carol L et. al. Prevention of Rickets and Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants, Children and Adolescents Paediatrics 2008; vol. 122 No. 5 p. 1142-1152
9Vitamin D supplementation for breastfed infants 2004. Health Canada recommendation document (p3)
10Vitamin D supplementation for breastfed infants 2004 - Questions and Answers document -Health Canada, Food and Nutrition, Children and Nutrition,
11Mead Johnson Company, D Vi-Sol list of non-medical ingredients
12Mead Johnson Company, D Vi-sol brochure for medical professional
13Wagner, Carol L et. al. Prevention of Rickets and Vitamin D Deficiency in Infants, Children and Adolescents Paediatrics 2008; vol. 122 No. 5 p. 1142-1152
No 1
No 2