The effects of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 supplementation on the breast milk and maternal status of well-nourished women

Abstract

The effects of vitamin supplements and/or diet on the levels of vitamin C, vitamin B₆, and vitamin B₁₂ in milk and blood of lactating women were determined. At the end of gestation, subjects were divided into two lactation groups: supplemented (10 subjects) and nonsup-plemented (seven subjects). Milk samples were collected from 5 to 7 days and 43 to 45 days postpartum. Fasting blood samples were drawn at 8 and 46 days postpartum for vitamin C, B₆, and B₁₂ status measurements. Dietary records of all foods consumed by the subject were kept for 4 days at 1 and 6 weeks postpartum. The vitamin B₆ level in breast milk of the unsupplemented group of mothers was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the supplemented group of women at 5 to 7 days postpartum. Vitamin B₁₂ concentration in milk of nonsupplemented mothers at 43 to 45 days postpartum was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the supplemented group of women at 43 to 45 days postpartum. None of the milk values or the maternal blood levels measured in the women was less than published norms for vitamin C, vitamin B₆, and vitamin B₁₂.