Retinol and alpha-tocopherol content in breast milk of Bangladeshi mothers under low socio-economic status.

In the present study, concentrations of retinol, alpha-tocopherol and total solid were determined in the breast milk of Bangladeshi mothers under low socio-economic status. Mature milk samples were collected from 61 lactating mothers who visited a city maternity centre in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. Mothers were at varying lactation periods (1.5-26 months). Retinol and alpha-tocopherol in breast milk were determined by HPLC. Mean (+/-SE) concentrations of breast milk retinol and alpha-tocopherol were 283.80 micrograms l-1 (+/-17.4) and 2.04 mg l-1 (+/-0.11) respectively, while that of total solid was 103.30 g l-1 (+/-0.70). Concentration of alpha-tocopherol varied for the variation of the length of lactation, while the content of retinol and total solid did not differ significantly. Alpha-tocopherol concentration beyond 6 months post partum was higher as compared to that of earlier periods. Retinol concentration was found to be higher for the comparatively higher income group. Concentrations of these nutrients were not affected significantly by mother's age. Infant's average daily intake of retinol through breast milk was calculated to be 181.02 micrograms, while that of alpha-tocopherol was calculated to be 1.37 mg. Thus breast milk of Bangladeshi mothers under low socio-economic status cannot cater infant's full requirements for vitamin A (RDA-375RE) and vitamin E (RDA-3-4 alpha-tocopherol equivalent). Improving mother's diet and timely weaning may ameliorate the situation.