Breastfeeding benefits both mother and baby. Breast milk provides unique and essential nutrition for infants, including antibodies that protect against infections. It also supports the healthy development of the immune system, gastrointestinal tract, and brain.
Vitamin B12 is crucial for overall health, including brain development in infants. Breastfed babies rely on their mothers for important micronutrients, which can be challenging if the mother is malnourished.
A study conducted by researchers from George Mason University explored the effects of vitamin B12 supplementation in pregnant and lactating women on their breast milk levels. Vitamin B12 deficiency in infants can lead to delays in development and, in severe cases, brain damage. This deficiency can occur in breast-fed children if the mother is deficient, which is more common in vegans and vegetarians. Pregnant and lactating women are also at risk of B12 deficiency due to the demands of providing for themselves and their child.
The research team, led by Dr. Dongqing Wang, investigated the ideal timing and dosage of vitamin B12 supplementation in pre-and post-natal women in Tanzania. The study aimed to improve understanding of the impacts of supplementation on breast milk B12 levels and inform effective interventions to prevent deficiencies.
The study involved 412 participants who received daily oral supplements or placebos from early pregnancy to 6 weeks after giving birth. Some participants also received post-natal supplements. Breast milk samples were analyzed at six weeks and seven months postpartum.
The results showed that high doses of pre-natal vitamin B12 supplements had short-term benefits on breast milk B12 levels, while post-natal supplements had longer-lasting effects. However, when both pre-and post-natal supplements were taken together, the impact on breast milk B12 levels was not as significant.
Overall, the study highlights the importance of understanding the timing and dosage of vitamin B12 supplementation to maintain adequate levels in breast milk. This information is crucial for designing effective nutritional interventions to protect both mothers and infants from B12 deficiencies.
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