Breastfeeding women often lack essential nutrients

Breast milk is the optimal nutrition for babies, but according to a population study from New Zealand, which is published in Nutrients, breastfeeding women often lack vitamin D, vitamin E, manganese, selenium, and other important nutrients. The authors emphasize how crucial it is for both mother and child to be well-supplied with nutrients, as deficiencies can affect the child's development and the mother's health and mood.

It's a fact that a mother needs a healthy and nutritious diet during her pregnancy. The same is true after birth, where the quality of her breast milk is crucial for the child's continued growth and development. Nutrient requirements also increase, as both the child's and the mother's needs must be met. However, in countries like Australia, the United States, the UK, and several others, it has been observed that many mothers tend to prioritize the newborn’s well-being after birth, causing their own eating habits to reduce in quality. The new study from New Zealand aimed to investigate the nutritional status of breastfeeding mothers and compare it with the general recommendations for nutrients.

The study, called the Mother and Infant Nutrition Investigation, involved 76 breastfeeding mothers. For three months after childbirth, the women kept a detailed food diary and were also asked whether they took supplements. Their nutrient intake was then assessed and compared to the official guidelines for breastfeeding women in New Zealand and Australia. Overall, it was found that the following percentages of the breastfeeding mothers got enough from the following main food groups:

• Fruit: 25%
• Vegetables: 0%
• Grains: 5%
• Meat and eggs: 34%
• Dairy products: 13%

Additionally, none of the breastfeeding mothers got enough from all food groups. Most participants’ intake of several nutrients was therefore below the official recommendations.
For selected nutrients, the following percentages were at risk of deficiency:

• Vitamin D: 53%
• Vitamin E: 55%
• Manganese: 61%
• Selenium: 55%

The researchers conclude that breastfeeding women often struggle to follow the official guidelines for a healthy diet and are at a high risk of lacking vitamin D and E, as well as manganese and selenium. The researchers also refer to a larger European population study (ATLAS), which revealed that breastfeeding women’s intake of vitamins A, C, D, folic acid, and iodine is below the official recommendations. Apparently, fortification of bread with folic acid in New Zealand has helped prevent this deficiency in the country.
The new study did not investigate the breastfeeding mothers’ intake of fish and seafood, which are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids and iodine. However, the authors refer to an older American study, which revealed that breastfeeding women often lack the omega-3 fatty acid DHA, which is important for brain development, as well as vitamins A, D, and choline.
Nutrient deficiencies are widespread among breastfeeding women both in developed and developing countries.

What are the implications of breastfeeding women lacking several nutrients?

Nutrient deficiencies can affect both the quantity and quality of breast milk. It can have far-reaching consequences if the child does not get enough nutrients through breast milk. For example, vitamin C is important for connective tissue, the brain, and the immune system. Vitamin D is important for the development of the child’s bones and immune system. Iodine and selenium are essential for metabolism. Manganese is important for energy metabolism and bones. Additionally, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium serve as important antioxidants and protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress.
The authors also discuss how a fiber-rich and green diet influences the mother's blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity, fat profile, gut flora, and reduction of excess abdominal fat.
There is a high risk that it is the mother who ends up lacking the mentioned nutrients, which can affect her energy levels, health, and mood. An older Chinese study revealed that a one-sided diet and nutrient deficiencies also increase the risk of the mother developing postnatal depression.

Why do breastfeeding women have difficulty eating healthily?

The authors of the new study delve deeper into a number of factors that contribute to breastfeeding mothers often eating unhealthily and lacking several nutrients, including

• Lack of knowledge of official guidelines and supplements
• Lack of access to healthy food
• Poor financial situation and lack of knowledge about affordable healthy food
• Stress, too little sleep, and lack of energy
• Lack of support from family and next of kin

The authors write that there are many factors to consider when breastfeeding mothers seek to improve their eating habits.
On the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration’s website there are more tips about diet and supplements for pregnant and breastfeeding women. There are also useful books for pregnant and breastfeeding women with helpful information and inspiring recipes for healthy food.

Reference:

Ying Jin, Jane Coad and Louise Brough. Food Group Consumption and Nutritional Intake by Breastfeeding Women: Comparison to Current Dietary Guidelines and Nutrient Recommendations. Nutrients 2025