FACTORS INFLUENCING THE FOLACIN NUTRITURE OF LACTATING MOTHERS AND THEIR BREAST-FED INFANTS

SHOBHA ANAND UDIPI, Purdue University

Abstract

Folic acid is the essential precursor of a large number of compounds that serve as coenzymes for one-carbon transfer reactions. Folacin deficiency due to inadequate intake is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies in man affecting especially populations of low socioeconomic status. Any condition, physiologic or pathologic which increases rates of cell multiplication results in higher folacin requirements. Thus pregnant and lactating women and infants, especially preterm, are particularly vulnerable to the development of folacin deficiency. In addition, numerous compounds can adversely affect folacin nutriture. Evidence regarding the effect of oral contraceptives (OC) on folacin status of women is controversial. Therefore the effect of long-term pregestational use of OC with the combined stress of pregnancy and lactation was examined. Long-term OC use did not significantly affect folacin levels in plasma, erythrocytes or milk or well-nourished American women studied during the first year of lactation. Also, folacin levels in blood of unsupplemented women were similar to those of supplemented women. Levels of folacin in milk rose appreciably from 1 to 3 months of lactation but did not vary significantly thereafter until 6 to 8 months of lactation. A considerable amount of folacin in milk was present in the polyglutamate form. Premature delivery had no adverse effect on folacin levels in milk during the first month of lactation. At all stages of lactation, milk folacin showed diurnal variation which could not be attributed conclusively to maternal folacin intake from diet/supplement or to suckling stimulus. Folacin intakes of most breast-fed, term infants were well above the RDA for infants from birth until 12 months of age and weights and lengths were normal for most infants. After 4-5 months of age, infants received a substantial amount of folacin from complementary foods. Folate supplementation of preterm infants may be necessary due to the small volume of milk intake by these infants.

Degree

Ph.D.

Subject Area

Nutrition

COinS