Influence of postpartum supplementation with vitamin A on the levels of immunoglobulin A in human colostrum.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of supplementation with retinyl palmitate in the immediate postpartum period on the levels of secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in colostrum.

Methods: A clinical trial was conducted among 96 recently-delivered mothers treated at a public maternity hospital, divided into control group, which was not supplemented (n = 44), and test group, supplemented on the first day postpartum (n = 52). Samples of 2 mL of colostrum were collected on the first 2 days postpartum.

Correlation of vitamin A nutritional status on alpha-tocopherol in the colostrum of lactating women.

The adequate supply of vitamins A and E to newborns is essential. However, factors such as maternal nutritional status and nutrient interaction may limit its bioavailability. The aim of this study was to establish nutritional status for vitamins A and E and evaluate the correlation of retinol on colostrum alpha-tocopherol in lactating women.