Vitamin B-12 is crucial for brain and body development in infants and children. Vitamin B12 levels in infants are largely dependent on maternal levels, experts say. This vitamin is especially important during the first six months of life, when breastfeeding is highly recommended, but it remains a critical source even after this period. Thus, pregnant and lactating women are at high risk of vitamin B 12 deficiency, due to increased nutritional requirements during this period. One study investigated the optimal timing and dosage of B 12 supplementation during pregnancy and lactation in resource-limited settings where maternal undernutrition is prevalent.
Research has found that pregnant women who took high-dose oral vitamin B 12 supplements before giving birth had short-term benefits on the levels of B 12 in their breast milk. In contrast, women who took high doses while breastfeeding experienced these benefits for a longer period of time. The results of the study emphasize the importance of prenatal vitamins for short-term benefits in breast milk and postnatal vitamins for a more lasting impact on an adequate level of Bs in breast milk. The fact is that both types of supplements support the healthy growth and development of the child. In addition, the study also found that the effect of prenatal vitamin B 12 supplementation decreased when it was used with postnatal supplementation. Similarly, the effect of postnatal vitamin B-12 supplementation was decreased when used with prenatal supplementation.
2023-12-12 14:45:39
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