Final answer:
The healthcare provider will likely prescribe vitamin D supplements, as breast milk does not always provide sufficient amounts, especially with limited sunlight exposure. Vitamin D is essential for bone development and calcium metabolism in infants.
Step-by-step explanation:
The healthcare provider is likely to prescribe vitamin D supplementation for the exclusively breastfed 4-month-old infant. Breast milk offers substantial benefits, providing essential nutrients for growth and development and including immunoglobulins that protect the infant against infections. However, breast milk might not provide sufficient vitamin D, especially if the mother's diet is deficient in this vitamin or there is limited sun exposure.
Colostrum, the first breast milk produced after birth, is rich in antibodies and is crucial for boosting the newborn's immune system. These antibodies represent passive immunity, as they are produced by the mother and passed to the infant through breast milk, offering protection until the infant's own immune system is fully developed.
For a healthy baby, breast milk is typically enough to meet nutritional needs, but certain vitamins like vitamin D and vitamin K may be deficient. For vitamin D, the requirement is set at 400 IU for infants, and supplementation is often recommended to ensure proper bone development and calcium metabolism.