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 ( R 2 = 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.