Vitamin A in donor human milk: An experimental study

Background: We aimed to analyze vitamin A content in pooled donor human milk (DHM) and determine enteral vitamin A intake after fortification (NCT05742815). Methods: We analyzed pooled DHM (n = 15) from seven commercial milk banks for vitamin A (retinol) content. Retinol was directly quantified by ultra-high–performance liquid chromatography. Enteral retinol intake was calculated for several commercial liquid human milk fortifiers (HMFs) at standard fortification according to each manufacturer's instructions. Results: The mean retinol concentration in commercial DHM was 120 ± 30 international units (IU)/dl (range, 49–158 IU/dl). Retinol content correlated with fat content in DHM (R² = 0.37; P = 0.01). Standard fortification of DHM with HMF (150 ml/kg/day; 24 kcal/ounce) results in variable enteral retinol intake (range, 200–1600 IU/kg/day). Conclusion: Vitamin A content in DHM approximates mature term human milk, but vitamin A intake may be insufficient for some preterm infants provided an exclusive human milk diet.