Nutrient intake during lactation in Australian women

Abstract

1. The dietary intakes of forty-one mothers were investigated during lactation, between the 6th and 20th weeks after delivery. The group comprised thirty primiparae and eleven multiparae. 2. The women studied were apparently lactating satisfactorily, as the infants were judged healthy and their average weekly weight gain was 193 g (6.9 OZ). 3. The average daily intakes of nutrients by the mothers were compared to those listed in Dietary Allowances for Australia. Intakes of calories, protein, calcium, iron and ascorbic acid were 514±75 (16%), 17.0±2.7 g(17%), 725±75 mg(36%), 5.2±0.43 mg (31%) and 21±5.3 mg (21%) respectively below the allowances for these nutrients. It is suggested that the allowances for calories, protein, calcium, iron and ascorbic acid may have been set at too high a level. 4. The incidence of successful breast-feeding in western countries compared with others is briefly discussed. It is concluded that diet plays a minor part and that the dominant factors are cultural and social.