Evidence supporting the use of: Palmitate
For the health condition: Nursing
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Palmitate, most commonly as retinyl palmitate (a storage and supplement form of vitamin A), is scientifically validated in the context of supporting nursing mothers and infant nutrition. Vitamin A is essential for immune function, vision, and cellular growth, all of which are crucial during lactation and infant development. Human breast milk naturally contains vitamin A, and its concentration can be influenced by maternal intake. Deficiency in vitamin A among nursing mothers can lead to inadequate levels in breast milk, increasing the risk of deficiency-related complications in infants, such as impaired immunity and vision problems.
Numerous studies and health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), recommend vitamin A supplementation in populations where deficiency is common, especially for lactating women and their infants. Retinyl palmitate is a stable, bioavailable form of vitamin A frequently used in fortified foods and supplements. Clinical trials have demonstrated that maternal supplementation with retinyl palmitate effectively raises breast milk vitamin A content and improves infant vitamin A status. However, in populations where vitamin A deficiency is not prevalent, routine supplementation has not shown additional benefit and may carry a risk of toxicity if consumed in excess.
In summary, the use of palmitate (as retinyl palmitate) to support nursing is grounded in scientific evidence, particularly in settings with a high prevalence of vitamin A deficiency. The evidence is robust for its role in preventing deficiency but moderate overall due to potential toxicity risks and lack of benefit where deficiency is not present.
