Thiamin and riboflavin concentrations in urine and breast milk were measured to see if vitamin supplementation during lactation is beneficial to healthy well-nourished women. seven supplemented subjects and five nonsupplemented subjects expressed milk four times per day for 3 days at 1 and 6 weeks postpartum. Dietary intakes were recorded for 1 day before milk collection and the 3 days of milk collection. A 24-hr urine sample was collected at 1 and 6 weeks postpartum. Mean thiamin concentration in the milk increased significantly in both groups between 1 and 6 weeks postpartum, although there were no significant differences between groups. Riboflavin values reflected in the milk were significantly lower in the nonsupplemented group of women both at 1 and 6 weeks postpartum, but values did not change significantly in either groups as the milk matured from 1 to 6 weeks postpartum. Urinary excretion of thiamin and riboflavin was proportionally higher in the supplemented group of women. Riboflavin and thiamin status of both groups of women depicted normal intakes and the milk concentration of thiamin and riboflavin either met or exceeded established norms in both groups of women.
The effects of vitamin supplements and/or diet on the vitamin levels in milk of women were determined at 6 months postpartum. Six subjects consumed a daily supplement (Natalins, Mead-Johnson) in addition to a well-balanced diet--supplemented group, and six subjects consumed only a well-balanced diet--nonsupplemented group. The subjects expressed milk for 3 days at 4-hr intervals, 0, 4, 8, and 12 hr after awakening or taking their vitamin supplement. A 4-day diet record, fasting blood sample, and 24-hr urine samples were collected on each subject at 6 months postpartum. Nutrient intake from diet alone did not differ significantly between the two groups except for riboflavin intake which was significantly higher in the supplemented group. The nutritional status of all women indicated excellent dietary intakes, which vitamin supplementation did not alter significantly. Milk concentration of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate, thiamin, riboflavin, and vitamin C, did not differ significntly between groups. Thiamin, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 concentration in the milk did appear to plateau during the day. Vitamin supplementatin at 6 months postpartum did not affect the breast milk concentration or the nutritional status of well-nourished women.
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