LivingMain micronutrients in breast milk: how they benefit the...
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Main micronutrients in breast milk: how they benefit the baby and how we can ensure its correct contribution

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We all must always take care of our diet , but there are stages such as pregnancy or lactation, where it becomes more necessary if it is possible to eat a healthy diet, especially in times of so much heat.

Breast milk is the best food you can give your baby, and although it is proven that all women have good and nutritious milk for their children, the mother’s diet influences the quality of her milk and the content of micronutrients . We explain it to you in detail!

Most prominent micronutrients in human milk

The type of vitamins and minerals that breast milk contains are very varied, ranging from substances such as copper, fluoride, iodine or selenium, to vitamins such as A, C, D, E and K and vitamins of group B.

All these micronutrients are essential for the proper functioning of all the systems of the human body, from the functioning of the brain to the growth of bones .

Next, we analyze in detail some of the most prominent micronutrients present in breast milk and what they contribute to the baby:

  • Vitamin A is important for sight and bone growth. Protects the baby from infection and supports the growth and health of cells.

  • Vitamin C helps create and strengthen red blood cells, bones, and tissues; strengthens the immune system and prevents infections.

  • Vitamin D helps the body absorb minerals such as calcium and strengthens teeth, bones, and the immune system.

According to experts, breastfeeding babies should ingest 400 IU of vitamin D every day , and part of it will be obtained through breast milk (the rest through supplementation and sun exposure).

  • Vitamin E minimizes the production of free radicals that damage cells. Strengthens the immune system, DNA repair and metabolic processes.

  • Iron helps the baby make blood cells . The iron concentration in breast milk is low, but it is usually sufficient to meet the needs of the newborn, even when the mother has low levels.

For this reason, it is not necessary to supplement breast milk with iron supplements for the baby , although it is recommended to introduce foods rich in iron when the baby begins to take complementary feeding.

  • Magnesium helps keep bones strong and regulates heart rate. In addition, it supports the immune system and the proper functioning of the nerves and muscles.

  • Potassium : helps balance water in the body, important for maintaining blood pressure, along with sodium. Potassium also supports the functioning of the muscles and the rhythm of the heart.

  • Zinc : It is necessary for more than 70 enzymes that help with digestion and metabolism. It is also essential for growth.

  • Iodine: it is a very important mineral for the body, and essential for the proper functioning of thyroid hormones. During lactation it becomes even more relevant because the iodine that the baby receives through breast milk is dependent on the amount that the mother receives.

Maternal diet and multivitamins

As we mentioned at the beginning, although it is important to always watch over our diet, there are two very important moments in a woman’s life where we must put more effort, if possible, into taking care of our diet: pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Eating a healthy and balanced diet during breastfeeding, and staying properly hydrated is very important for both you and your baby.

In general, and unless the doctor tells us otherwise , vitamin supplements during breastfeeding are not necessary, as long as we eat a correct and varied diet.

However, in the case of iodine we must make an exception , because although the WHO considers that Spain is not a country at risk of iodine deficiency, in practice it has been seen that there are many children with low levels , and this affects their psychomotor and intellectual development.

For this reason, based on available studies, it is recommended that women take an iodine supplement throughout breastfeeding . The Breastfeeding Committee of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics establishes that said supplementation would be as follows:

“The iodine needs of lactating women are estimated at 250-300 µg / day. Since salt intake may be reduced in this period (iodized salt is the recommended source of iodine for everyone), a supplement of 200 µg of iodine per day in the form of potassium iodide, during the lactation period, whether a single child is breastfed or if they are twins or brothers (tandem breastfeeding) “.

Photos | iStock

Via | Medela

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