Serum Retinol, Iron Status and Body Composition of Lactating Women in Nandi, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Maternal vitamin A and iron status was investigated among lactating mothers in a rural community in Kenya. The aim of the study was to establish the prevalence and the relationship of these key nutrients to maternal body composition. Methods: Eighty-eight mothers provided samples of breast milk and blood for determination of breast milk vitamin A, serum retinol and ferritin. Estimators of body composition were based on the mother’s weight, height and skinfold measurements. Results: A total of 78.1% women had breast milk retinol 4 months a close relationship was found between serum retinol and hemoglobin (r = 0.26; p Conclusion: A high prevalence of vitamin A and iron deficiency was observed in this group of lactating women. Low levels of fat mass were directly related to these indicators of malnutrition.