A randomized trial evaluating the effect of 2 regimens of maternal vitamin a supplementation on breast milk retinol levels

J Hum Lact. 2010 May;26(2):148-56. doi: 10.1177/0890334409356445. Epub 2010 Jan 28.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of 2 different megadoses of retinyl palmitate on the level of retinol in the breast milk of healthy women. In total, 199 women were randomly allocated to 3 groups and supplemented in the postpartum period with a single retinyl palmitate dose of 200 000 IU (S1), a double dose of 200 000 IU 24 hours apart (S2), or no supplementation (C). Retinol content of colostrum and mature milk at 4 weeks was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). For colostrum, no significant difference was found between the groups (P = .965). The retinol content in mature milk differed between group C and groups S1 and S2 (P < .05). The double dose of vitamin A did not significantly increase the retinol content of milk at 4 weeks postpartum in comparison to a single dose; however, future research is needed to determine the optimal timing of the second dose of vitamin A.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brazil
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Colostrum / chemistry*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Diterpenes
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Milk, Human / chemistry*
  • Postpartum Period
  • Retinyl Esters
  • Vitamin A / administration & dosage*
  • Vitamin A / analogs & derivatives
  • Vitamin A / analysis
  • Vitamin A / metabolism*
  • Vitamin A Deficiency / prevention & control
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Diterpenes
  • Retinyl Esters
  • Vitamin A
  • retinol palmitate