Breast milk is essential for infants, providing a balanced array of nutrients crucial for their growth and development. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the vitamins and minerals found in 450ml (approximately 15 ounces) of breast milk:
Macronutrients:
- Calories: Approximately 172 kcal
- Protein: About 2.5 grams
- Fat: Around 10.8 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 17 grams
Vitamins (in grams):
- Vitamin A: 300 micrograms
- Vitamin C: 5 milligrams
- Vitamin D: 0.5 micrograms
- Vitamin E: 0.8 milligrams
- Vitamin K: 5 micrograms
Minerals (in grams):
- Calcium: 30 milligrams
- Phosphorus: 15 milligrams
- Magnesium: 3 milligrams
- Iron: 0.03 milligrams
- Zinc: 0.5 milligrams
- Sodium: 17 milligrams
- Potassium: 78 milligrams
- Chloride: 41 milligrams
Other Nutrients:
- Fatty Acids: Includes essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6, crucial for brain and eye development.
- Lactose: Primary carbohydrate in breast milk, providing energy for the baby.
- Enzymes and Growth Factors: Promote digestion and growth.
Benefits of Breast Milk:
- Bioavailability: Nutrients in breast milk are highly bioavailable, easily absorbed and utilized by the baby.
- Immunological Protection: Contains antibodies that help protect infants from infections and diseases.
- Tailored Nutrition: Adjusts its composition to meet the changing nutritional needs of the baby.
Breast milk’s composition may vary slightly based on maternal diet and health, but it consistently provides the ideal blend of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients necessary for optimal infant growth and development during the critical early months and beyond.
