Influence of Vitamin A on Human Colostrum and Early Milk

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Abstract
The oral administration of 600,000 I.U. of water-dispersible vitamin A at the time of delivery significantly increased the vitamin A content of early colostrum, over and above the normal concentration taking place. The level fell to within normal limits by the fourth week of lactation. The same dose administered intramuscularly in oil was ineffective. Contrary to other workers we found a consistent rise in both vitamin A and carotenoid levels in untreated subjects, maximal on the second day postpartum. Consistent seasonal variations in vitamin A and carotenoid content of antepartum colostrum were not apparent. It is suggested that administration of vitamin A, as described, to women at the time of delivery constitutes a simple, inexpensive, readily applied measure to assist in the prevention of xerophthalmia.

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