The effect of vitamin A supplementation with 400 000 IU vs 200 000 IU on retinol concentrations in the breast milk: A randomized clinical trial.

Background & Aims: The vitamin A nutritional status is marginal for most of the newborns, and the prevention of that deficiency is promoted by breastfeeding. The Ministry of Health of Brazil established the National Vitamin A Supplementation Program, giving mega-doses of this nutrient to women right after delivery, in order to provide adequate vitamin A content in the breast milk and The International Vitamin A Consultative Group has supported the recommendation, to supplement with 400 000 IU of VA immediately after delivery. This study compares retinol concentrations in breast milk (colostrum, 2 and 4 months) from mothers supplemented during immediate postpartum with 400 000 IU versus 200 000 IU of vitamin A.