Which vitamins are not in breast milk?

Understanding the Nutritional Gaps in Breast Milk
Breast milk is often hailed as the gold standard for infant nutrition, providing a comprehensive array of nutrients essential for a baby’s growth and development. However, despite its many benefits, there are certain vitamins that are notably absent or present in insufficient quantities in breast milk. This article delves into these nutritional gaps, highlighting the implications for breastfeeding mothers and their infants.
Key Vitamins Lacking in Breast Milk
1. Vitamin D: One of the most significant deficiencies in breast milk is vitamin D. This vitamin is crucial for calcium absorption and bone health. The World Health Organization recommends that breastfeeding infants receive a vitamin D supplement, especially since breast milk alone does not provide adequate levels to meet an infant’s needs. This deficiency is particularly concerning in regions with limited sunlight exposure, where natural synthesis of vitamin D through the skin is reduced.
2. Vitamin K: Another vitamin that is often low in breast milk is vitamin K. This vitamin plays a vital role in blood clotting and bone metabolism. Newborns are typically given a vitamin K injection shortly after birth to prevent bleeding disorders, as their gut bacteria, which produce vitamin K, are not yet fully developed.
3. Iodine: Iodine is essential for thyroid function and cognitive development. While breast milk does contain some iodine, it may not be sufficient, particularly if the mother’s diet is low in this nutrient. This can lead to potential deficiencies in infants, especially in areas where iodine is not adequately supplemented in the food supply.
4. Iron: Although breast milk contains iron, it is in a form that is not easily absorbed by infants. As a result, exclusively breastfed infants may be at risk for iron deficiency anemia, particularly after six months of age when their iron stores begin to deplete. Pediatricians often recommend introducing iron-rich foods or supplements as the infant begins to eat solid foods.
5. B Vitamins: Certain B vitamins, such as B12 and choline, can also be low in breast milk, particularly if the mother has a deficiency in her diet. This can affect the infant’s neurological development and overall health. Maternal nutrition plays a crucial role in determining the levels of these vitamins in breast milk, emphasizing the importance of a well-balanced diet for breastfeeding mothers.
Implications for Breastfeeding Mothers
Given these gaps, it is essential for breastfeeding mothers to be aware of their nutritional intake. A well-rounded diet that includes adequate levels of vitamin D, iodine, iron, and B vitamins is crucial not only for the mother’s health but also for ensuring that her breast milk meets the nutritional needs of her infant. Healthcare providers often recommend dietary supplements to address these deficiencies, particularly vitamin D and iron, to support both maternal and infant health.
Conclusion
While breast milk is an exceptional source of nutrition for infants, it is not without its limitations. Understanding which vitamins are lacking can help mothers make informed decisions about their diets and the potential need for supplementation. By addressing these nutritional gaps, mothers can better support their infants’ growth and development during those critical early months of life.

What vitamin is absent in breast milk?

Breast milk is low in vitamin K. Breast milk from mothers who are taking vitamin K supplements is also low in vitamin K. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all newborns, whether breastfed or formula fed, receive a one-time intramuscular shot of vitamin K within 6 hours after birth.

Does breast milk contain all vitamins?

Human milk provides the normative standard for infant nutrition. Nevertheless, many micronutrients vary in human milk depending on maternal diet and body stores (see article in this issue by Valentine and Wagner, 2012), including vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, D, and iodine.

Which nutrient is not found in breast milk?

Overall, human breast milk has been found to be low in certain nutrients in developed countries: vitamin D, iodine, iron, and vitamin K. Additional nutrient deficiencies have been documented in resource-poor countries: vitamin A, vitamin B 12, zinc, and vitamin B 1/thiamin.

Why is there no vitamin D in breast milk?

This is because circulating vitamin D3 in the mothers was low, and, in many cases, undetectable (<4 nmol/L), making mother's milk a poor source of vitamin D activity.

Which mineral is missing in breast milk?

Results: Estimated breast-milk intakes during established lactation were insufficient to compensate for the lower milk sodium, copper, manganese, and zinc concentrations in male infants and the lower sodium, iron and manganese concentrations in female infants.

Is vitamin D found in milk?

Many dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, are fortified with vitamin D as well, as are non-dairy alternatives like soy milk, almond milk, and oat milk. Fortified milk typically has around 3 mcg (120 IU) of vitamin D, and non-dairy alternatives have between 2.5 and 3.6 mcg per 1 cup.

What vitamins should I avoid when breastfeeding?

AVOID dose of vitamin A above 700-800 mcg/day and vitamin B6 above 20-50 mg/day. Iodine can concentrate in breastmilk so do not take levels in excess of 100% RDA. There are no studies on the safety of high dose intra-venous (IV) vitamin drips in breastfeeding mothers.

What nutrients are not in breastmilk?

While breast milk is highly nutritive, containing important immunological and growth factors, scientific investigation reveals a few short-falls. Overall, human breast milk has been found to be low in certain nutrients in developed countries: vitamin D, iodine, iron, and vitamin K.

Which vitamin does not present in milk?

Complete answer:
The vitamin that is not present in milk is Vitamin C . Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid (AA) or ascorbate.

What if I forgot to give my baby vitamin D drops?

How often do I give the vitamin D drops? You should give the drops once a day, every day. But, if you forget one day, it is all right. The vitamin D is stored in the baby and there will be enough in the baby’s body to prevent rickets.