Vitamins and breast feeding

There are various types of water and fat-soluble vitamins in breast milk but the exact amounts of these nutriments are different from one to another female. Nutritional characteristics of breast milk are dependent on genetic background and also nutritional habits of nursing woman. At the beginning the concentration of water vitamins is more than fat-soluble ones. If the nursing woman has a sufficient supply of vitamins in her tissues, the level of vitamins in her milk will remain the same.

Water-soluble vitamins

These vitamins are easily transferred into the milk from blood serum and are dependent on nutritional habits of nursing woman. Some researches suggest that taking vitamin supplementary pills can help nursing women to increase the level of vitamins in their milk, although after a certain period of time, taking more pills can not increase the concentration of vitamins.

Vitamin C

The average amount of vitamin C for a well-fed nursing woman is approximately 100 mg per day. More than this dosage will not be detected in breast milk. In a clinical survey to different dosages of vitamin C were given to two groups of nursing women on a daily basis. The same amounts were detected in the milks of these groups. Another group was given 1000 mg dosage on a daily basis, and the increased concentration of vitamin C was not that considerable. The need for vitamin C will increase in stressed conditions.

Vitamin B

B complex vitamins content of breast milk are directly related to mother's diet. 1B vitamin and folic acid in breast milk are attached to WHEY protein.  In well-fed women taking vitamin B12 supplementary pills is not necessary. has a negligible effect on the amount of breast milk. Some cases of Megaloblastic anemiahave been reported in New Delhi about infants who are nursing from vegetarian mothers.

A research show that despite taking vitamin B12 supplementary pills do not increase the level of this vitamin in milk, but it is effective in curing blood abnormalities and brain atrophies.  Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause permanent damages in brain and nervous system, hence taking supplementary pills is recommended for women with poor nutritional habits.

High levels of Folate in breast milk is usually is enough for normal growth of infants. If mothers suffering from severe malnutritiona lower level of Folic acid was detected in their milks. The concentration of Folic acid will increase with time.  In cases of Megaloblastic anemiataking Folic acid supplementary pills will increase the level of this vitamin in their milk very fast. Concentration of Folic acid in milk is 50 times more than blood.

Concentration of vitamin B6 in milk of a nursing woman is an indicator B6 concentration in her blood. Taking B6 supplementary pills like pyridoxine hydrochloride (20 mg, daily) showed a clear effect in increasing the level of B6 in blood after 5 h. Taking contraceptives for a long time can also reduced the amount B6 in body.

Two researchers in India studied the level of vitamin B family (B1, B2, B3 and B12) and also vitamin C in milk of women during different stages of nursing.  The results showed that all vitamins remain at the same concentrations but the level  of vitamin B3 increases. Vitamin B6 and B3 were found to be at the normal level in rich and middle class women and also vitamin B1 found at high levels in poor women becase of their mainly carbohydrate diet.

Fat-soluble vitamins

Fat-soluble vitamins can transfer into breast milk but their level is not that much fluctuating during nursing period. On the other hand determining the exact level of these vitamins is not easy because of vitamin D and A reservoir of body.

The amount of vitamin D and A in a breastfeeding mother's milk will not change till the body loses its entire reservoir. Taking beta-carotene and vitamin A will not increase the level of these vitamins in milk, but it is recommended for women who already are suffering from malnutrition.  Level of beta-carotene and vitamin A  in milk of women of developing countries is less than the one of the developed countries. Mother’s milk is the main source of beta-carotene and vitamin A for infants.

Vitamin A is a retinol acid and deficiency of vitamin A can lead to change of color in milk (Colostrum).

The level of vitamin D in breast milk is usually constant and around 40 to 50 units per liter of breast milk. Taking vitamin D supplements usually increase the amount of this vitamin in milk but this is temporary and after a few ours the concentration decreases to previous level. There are some controversies about the necessity of taking vitamin D supplements during nursing period. Although many believe sunlight is the main source of formation of vitamin D and not food. But in some countries vitamin D supplements are recommended as a part of diet of infants.

Researches showed that infants who are being breastfed, even in places with enough sunlight might still develop Rachitism and this is mainly because of type of clothing and outfits for infants in some cultures. So, there might be some concerns intending in favor of taking vitamin D supplements. 30 minutes of sunlight during each week is recommended for infants and except diaper the whole body must be uncovered, or 2 hours with a covered body without hat.  This can the infant with enough 25-hydroxy and vitamin D. In less sunny areas taking 400 IU of vitamin D is recommended daily.

Concentration of vitamin E in human milk is higher than traditional cow milk, so breastfeeding can easily provide enough vitamin E for infants. In a study, by introducing the sunflower oil in diet of nursing mothers, 50% increase was observed for vitamin E level in their milk. Vitamin E can also be found in high amounts in Colostrum. This is in favor of infants who are in great need for antioxidants and vitamin E. adding proper liquid oils to diets of nursing mothers can provide them with this vitamin.

Vitamin K concentration can change from 1 to 2 micrograms per liter of breast milk. Vitamin K level in infants body is low and they must be injected with proper dosages.