Ascorbic acid levels in maternal milk: differences with respect to ascorbic acid status during the third trimester of pregnancy

Abstract

The aim of the present investigation was to study the relationship between ascorbic acid status during the third trimester of pregnancy and levels of this vitamin in transition milk (days 13–14 of lactation) and mature milk (day 40 of lactation). To this end, the pregnancies and lactation periods of fifty-seven healthy women between 18 and 35 years of age (27 (sd 3.7) years) were monitored. Vitamin intake during the third trimester was determined by recording the consumption of foods over 5 d, and by registering the quantities provided by dietary supplements. Ascorbic acid levels in maternal serum during this stage of pregnancy, and in transition and mature milk samples, were determined by spectrophotometry. Those subjects with ascorbic acid intakes below that recommended (80 mg/d) (group L) showed lower consumption of fruit and vegetables than did those with greater intakes (group H). The consumption of ascorbic acid supplements was very low, and was only seen in three group H subjects. The difference in ascorbic acid intake was reflected at serum level. Group L subjects showed significantly lower serum values than did group H subjects (30.1 (sd 36.3) μmol/l compared with 101.1 (sd 168.1) μmol/l). Vitamin intake also influenced the composition of transition milk. Group L subjects showed significantly lower levels of ascorbic acid in milk than did group H subjects (255.5 (sd 220.3) μmol/l compared with 437.8 (sd 288.4) μmol/l). The results of the present study reveal the need to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables during pregnancy and to monitor maternal ascorbic acid intake and vitamin C status.