TABLE 9-1Estimated Secretion of Nutrients in Mature Human Milk Compared with Increments in Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for Lactating Women

A. Energy, Protein, and Fat-Soluble Vitamins
MeasureEnergy, kcalProtein, gVitamin A, µg REaVitamin D, µgVitamin E, mg of α-TEbVitamin K, µg
Estimated secretion in milkc Increment in RDAsd,e for the following periods of lactation:420–97006.3–10.5400–6700.3–0.61.4–2.31.3–2.1
0–6 mo50015500540
6–12 mo50012400530
CommentsEstimated 80% efficiency in conversion to milk energyEstimated 70% efficiency in conversion to milk proteinNoneIncrement advised in part to maintain calcium balanceEstimated 75% absorptionNo increment listed because intakes usually exceed RDA
B. Water-Soluble Vitamins
MeasureVitamin C, mgThiamin, mgRiboflavin, mgNiacin, mg of NEfVitamin B6, mgFolate, µgVitamin B12, µg
Estimated secretion in milkc Increment in RDAsd,e for the following periods of lactation:24–400.13–0.210.21–0.350.9–1.50.06–0.0950–830.6–1.0
0–6 mo350.50.550.51000.6
6–12 mo300.50.450.5800.6
CommentsEstimated 85% absorptionIncrement higher than secretion due to increased energy needsEstimated 70% utilization for milk productionIncrement higher than secretion due to increased energy needsThe milk concentration used by the subcommittee is for unsupplemented womenEstimated 50% absorption; RDA based on 50 rather than 83 µg/literRDA based on 0.6 rather than 1.0 µg/liter
C. Minerals
MeasureCalcium, mgPhosphorus, mgMagnesium, mgIron, mgZinc, mgIodine, µgSelenium, µg
Estimated secretion in milkc 0.3–0.5h Increment in RDAsd, e for the following periods of lactation:168–28084–14021–350.18–0.300.9–1.5g66–11012–20
0–6 mo40040075075020
6–12 mo40040060045020
CommentsNoneBased on a desired ratio of 1 to 1 for calcium to phosphorus intakeEstimated 50% absorptionSecretion during lactation is less than menstrual lossEstimated 20% absorptionBased on need of infant, not maternal loss in milkEstimated 80% absorption
a

RE = Retinol equivalents.

b

α-TE = α-Tocopherol equivalents.

c

At volumes of 600–1,000 ml/day, based on milk composition shown in Table 6-1.

d

From NRC (1989).

e

Women aged 25 to 50.

f

NE = Niacin equivalents.

g

0 to 6 months; see Chapter 6.

h

6 to 12 months; see Chapter 6.

From: 9, Meeting Maternal Nutrient Needs During Lactation

Cover of Nutrition During Lactation
Nutrition During Lactation.
Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Nutritional Status During Pregnancy and Lactation.
Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1991.
Copyright © 1991 by the National Academy of Sciences.

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