Effects of Maternal Dietary Intakes and Health-Related Behaviors on Vitamin B Concentrations in Human Milk

ABSTRACT

Adequate vitamin B2, vitamin B6, folate and vitamin B12 intakes are known to be important for the growth and development in infants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate concentrations of vitamin B2, vitamin B6, folate and vitamin B12 in human milk and to investigate the relationship between vitamin B levels in human milk and dietary habits and other health-related behaviors. Milk samples were obtained from 38 healthy lactating women (aged 29.0 +/- 3.2 years) who are participating in the cohort study on pregnant women. Vitamin B2 concentrations in human milk were positively correlated with maternal vitamin B2 intakes in lactating mothers. Vitamin B6, folate and vitamin B12 concentrations in human milk were not correlated with maternal B vitamin intakes. Vitamin B6 concentrations in human milk were negatively correlated with the amount of postpartum weight loss. The vitamin B concentrations in human milk were not associated with maternal age, height, weight and parity. Mothers who were exposed to indirect smoking had lower vitamin B2 concentrations, and those who reported to consume health foods had higher vitamin B2 concentrations in their milk. In conclusion, lactating women need to consume more vitamin B intakes for the growth and development in infants. Further researches are needed to find other diet and health-related factors which influence on B vitamin concentrations in human milk.