Human milk: nutritional resource
Nichols, E.L.; Nichols, V.N.
Progress in Clinical and Biological Research 61: 109-146
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0361-7742 PMID: 7033974 Document Number: 171334
The nutrients which occur in human milk are individually discussed with reference to literature findings. The aspects of failure to thrive, and supplementation to enhance the viability of nutritional needs of infants on mother's milk, also are discussed. The human milk nutrients elaborated include: lipids, protein, carbohydrate, salt, minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, fluoride), vitamins (D, K, A, E, C, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine (B6), biotin, folate, cyanocobalamine (B12)), and water content. Maternal diet and nutritional status influence both the quantity and quality of human milk, with lactation also having a profound influence on maternal nutrient physiology. The nutritional needs of the lactating mother have been established, but, when related to caloric intake, the increased requirement is not uniform. The breastfeeding infant requires vitamin K supplementation in the newborn period, with vitamin D and fluoride, and iron supplementations suggested in the first and second breastfeeding semesters, respectively. (wlz)