From the FDA Drug Label
Pediatric Use Intake in children should be in the amount (0.5 to 3 mcg daily) recommended by the Food and Nutrition Board, National Academy of Science-National Research Council. Nursing Mothers Vitamin B12 is known to be excreted in human milk Amounts of vitamin B12 that are recommended by the Food and Nutrition Board, National Academy of Science-National Research Council for lactating women (4 mcg daily) should be consumed during lactation. Folic acid is excreted in the milk of lactating mothers During lactation, folic acid requirements are markedly increased; however, amounts present in human milk are adequate to fulfill infant requirements, although supplementation may be needed in low birth-weight infants, in those who are breast-fed by mothers with folic acid deficiency (50 mcg daily), or in those with infections or prolonged diarrhea.
Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Supplementation for Infants Using Goat Milk
- The recommended daily intake of vitamin B12 for infants is 0.5 to 3 mcg.
- The recommended daily intake of vitamin B12 for lactating women is 4 mcg, and it is excreted in human milk.
- Folic acid requirements are markedly increased during lactation, and amounts present in human milk are adequate to fulfill infant requirements.
- However, supplementation may be needed in certain cases, such as low birth-weight infants or infants with infections or prolonged diarrhea. It is not explicitly stated in the provided drug labels whether infants using goat milk should be given vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements. However, considering the increased requirements of these nutrients during lactation and the potential for deficiency, caution is advised. If the infant is not receiving enough vitamin B12 and folic acid from the goat milk or other sources, supplementation may be necessary to prevent deficiency and potential harm 1, 2.
From the Research
Yes, if your infant is consuming goat milk instead of infant formula or breast milk, you should supplement with vitamin B12 and folic acid. Goat milk naturally contains low levels of these essential nutrients compared to human breast milk or properly formulated infant formula. For vitamin B12, infants typically need about 0.4-0.5 micrograms daily, while folic acid requirements are around 65-80 micrograms daily for infants. These supplements are available in liquid form specifically designed for infants, and you should follow the dosage instructions on the product or as directed by your pediatrician. The supplementation is crucial because vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to neurological damage and developmental delays, while folic acid deficiency can cause anemia and impair growth, as seen in studies such as 3. However, it's essential to note that pediatricians generally don't recommend plain goat milk as the primary nutrition source for infants under 12 months, as it lacks proper nutrient balance. Ideally, you should consult with your pediatrician about appropriate infant nutrition, as they might recommend a commercial infant formula instead.
Some key points to consider:
- Folic acid supplementation is crucial to prevent megaloblastic anemia in infants fed exclusively on goat milk, as highlighted in 3.
- The effects of folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation have been studied in various contexts, including dairy cows, as seen in 4 and 5.
- While these studies provide valuable insights, the primary concern for infant nutrition should be ensuring adequate levels of essential nutrients, including vitamin B12 and folic acid.
- The most recent and highest-quality study, 3, emphasizes the importance of modifying goat milk to make it more nutritionally complete, including adding sugar, vitamins, and minerals.
In terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, supplementing goat milk with vitamin B12 and folic acid is a critical step in preventing nutritional deficiencies and promoting healthy growth and development in infants. As noted in 6 and 7, folic acid supplementation can have beneficial effects on hepatic physiology, hematological status, and antioxidant defense, which are essential for overall health and well-being. Therefore, supplementing goat milk with vitamin B12 and folic acid is a necessary measure to ensure infants receive the nutrients they need to thrive.