Vitamin A in donor human milk: An experimental study

Area of Science:

• Nutritional science
• Pediatric nutrition
• Human milk research

Background:

• Donor human milk (DHM) is crucial for infants unable to receive maternal milk.
• Vitamin A is essential for infant growth and development.
• Ensuring adequate nutrient intake in preterm infants is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze vitamin A (retinol) content in pooled donor human milk (DHM).
• To determine enteral vitamin A intake in preterm infants receiving fortified DHM.
• To assess the adequacy of current fortification practices for vitamin A delivery.

Main Methods:

• Pooled DHM samples (n=15) from commercial milk banks were analyzed for retinol content.
• Retinol was quantified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography.
• Enteral retinol intake was calculated based on standard fortification protocols using commercial human milk fortifiers (HMFs).

Main Results:

• Mean retinol concentration in DHM was 120 ± 30 IU/dL, with significant variability (49-158 IU/dL).
• Retinol content in DHM showed a positive correlation with fat content (R²=0.37, P=0.01).
• Standard HMF fortification resulted in a wide range of enteral retinol intake (200-1600 IU/kg/day).

Conclusions:

• Vitamin A levels in DHM are comparable to mature term human milk.
• Current standard fortification practices may lead to insufficient vitamin A intake for some preterm infants.
• Further research is needed to optimize vitamin A fortification of DHM for vulnerable infant populations.