Definition:
The essential vitamins present in breast milk are:
- A: This is high in colostrum, then the amount lessens in mature milk
- D: Breast milk has very little -- it is recommended that breastfeeding mothers supplement this vitamin
- E: This is high in colostrum; it is a significant vitamin to prevent hemolytic anemia and muscle integrity, and it is also important as an antioxidant. However, it is recommended that breastfeeding mothers supplement this vitamin as the amount lessens in mature milk.
- K: Vital for preventing hemmorhagic disease of the newborn
- C: This is significant in many enzyme and hormonal systems, but it is necessary for breastfeeding mothers to obtain a sufficient amount through her diet or she should take a supplement.
The significant B Complex Vitamins present in breast milk are:
- B1, or thiamine, is vital for the use of carbohydrates in pyruvate metabolism and fat synthesis. This vitamin is diet dependent.
- B2, or riboflavin, is very important for the baby with virtually no intestinal tract bacterial synthesis. It is critical for protoplasmic growth and intracellular systems. Breastfeeding mothers should supplement.
- Niacin is a significant part of the intracellular respiratory mechanism. Breastfeeding mothers should supplement to ensure they are getting 17 mg/day.
- Pantothenic acid is part of Coenzyme A (a catalyst for metabolic reactions). This vitamin is affected by diet.
- B6, or pyridoxine, deals with metabolism of the nerve tissue and it is critical in the synthesis of DNA.
- Folacin, or folic acid, is essential for the making of blood. Breastfeeding mothers should supplement to ensure they are getting 500 mcg/day.
- B12 is critical for metabolism. This vitamin is diet dependent.
