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PHYSIOLOGICAL DEMAND FOR VITAMINS IN LACTATING WOMEN
AND ITS FULFILLMENT
Baratova Shoxsanam Sobir qizi
Samarkand State University named after Sharof Rashidov, PhD student
Kurbanov Abdulaziz Shoniyozovich
Karshi State University, Associate Professor
E-mail: shoxsanambaratova11@gmail.com
+998910042090
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15054823
Abstract:
This article provides information on the demand for vitamins
and their fulfillment in lactating women living in rural areas of the Kashkadarya
region. The results obtained show that the provision of vitamins in lactating
women aged 18-29 years in this region is 56.7 ± 3.0 mg (vitamin C), 1.3 ± 0.3 mg
(vitamin A), 18.8 ± 0.8 mg (vitamin E), 2 ± 0.2 mcg (vitamin D), 2.1 ± 0.4 mg
(vitamin B1), 1.4 ± 0.1 mg (vitamin B2), 2.2 ± 0.2 mg (vitamin B6), 14.9 ± 0.7 mg
(vitamin PP), and 2.1 ± 0.2 mcg (vitamin B12).
The identified situation indicates the presence of imbalances in the
nutrition and vitamin supply of lactating women living in rural areas of the
Kashkadarya region, which is one of the southern regions of our republic. It
highlights the necessity of conducting extensive research on this issue in various
regions of our country.
Keywords:
lactation period, lactating women, actual nutrition, fat-soluble
vitamins, water-soluble vitamins, macronutrients, micronutrients, daily diet.
INTRODUCTION.
The lactation period is a crucial stage for both the health
of the lactating mother and the development of the infant. During this period, the
mother's div must not only meet its own needs but also provide all the
necessary nutrients to the infant through breast milk. Therefore, sufficient
intake of vitamins and minerals is essential for the health of lactating mothers
[2, 4].
During breastfeeding, a woman's div expends significant energy for milk
production. A deficiency of essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals,
in the daily diet can lead to fatigue, decreased immunity, hair loss, and bone
weakness. The vitamins in breast milk are necessary for the proper growth and
strengthening of the infant's immune system. If an adequate amount of vitamins
is not received through milk, various developmental problems may arise in the
infant [1, 13].
Statistical data indicate that 45% of child mortality worldwide is linked to
inadequate nutrition. Most maternal and child health issues related to
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malnutrition occur in low- and middle-income countries in Africa, Asia, and
Latin America. Consequently, the World Health Organization (WHO)
recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued
breastfeeding up to the age of two years [1, 2, 3].
Numerous studies conducted in various countries worldwide have
demonstrated that the nutritional status of the mother during lactation affects
the concentration of nutrients in breast milk [4, 5]. The quantity and quality of
breast milk are primary factors ensuring the normal morphological and
physiological development of the child.
Since scientific data on the nutritional status of lactating women in our
country are insufficient, studying the actual nutrition and vitamin provision of
lactating women in different regions and developing appropriate
recommendations are urgent issues. Considering these factors, we aimed to
study and assess the vitamin supply of lactating women living in rural areas of
Guzar district, Kashkadarya region, in southern Uzbekistan.
METHODS.
The study was conducted on 46 lactating women aged 18-29
years residing in Guzar district, Kashkadarya region. Their actual nutrition was
assessed using a traditional questionnaire-survey method. The participants
recorded all food products consumed within a week in a specially designed
survey. The vitamin content of the recorded food items was analyzed using
special tables that provide the chemical composition of food products [7]. Data
obtained from the questionnaires were mathematically calculated and
statistically processed using Windows Microsoft Excel. The results were
compared with standard norms [6].
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION.
During our observations, we analyzed the daily
diet of lactating women and determined the vitamin content of their daily food
intake. The following table presents the findings on the vitamin provision of
lactating women aged 18-29 years residing in rural areas of Guzar district.
The amount of vitamins in the daily diet of breastfeeding women
(n=46)
Vitamins
Norm
Result
Condition
relative to the
norm, %
Vitamin C (mg)
80
56,7 ± 3,0
70,8%
Vitamin A (mg)
0,8
1,3 ± 0,3
162,5
Vitamin E (mg)
15
18,8 ± 0,8
125,3
Vitamin D (mcg)
7,5
2 ± 0,2
26,6
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Vitamin B
1
(mg)
1,5
2,1 ± 0,4
140
Vitamin В
2
(mg)
1,5
1,4 ± 0,1
93,3%
Vitamin В
6
(mg)
2
2,2 ± 0,2
110%
Vitamin РР (mg)
17
14,9 ± 0,7
87,6%
Vitamin В
12
(mcg)
2,6
2,1 ± 0,2
80,7%
As shown in the table, the daily diet of lactating women in Guzar district
contains lower-than-normal levels of vitamins C, PP, and B12, with deficiencies
of 29.2%, 12.4%, and 19.3%, respectively. Additionally, there is a severe
deficiency of vitamin D, with an intake 73.4% lower than the standard
requirement.
Conversely, the intake of vitamins A, E, and B1 exceeded the norm by
62.5%, 25.3%, and 40%, respectively. The intake of vitamins B2 and B6 was
close to the norm, accounting for 93.3% and 110% of the standard, respectively.
However, it is essential to highlight the dietary intake of vitamin C in
breastfeeding women. Our study revealed that the daily intake of this vitamin
among the participants was below the recommended level. Vitamin C, also
known as ascorbic acid, is crucial for breastfeeding women due to its wide-
ranging physiological benefits. The lactation process increases the need for
various nutrients, including vitamin C, to support maternal health and infant
development. Vitamin C deficiency in breastfeeding mothers may lead to
symptoms such as fatigue, weakened immunity, and slow wound healing. In
infants, a deficiency can negatively impact growth and development by
impairing immune responses, increasing susceptibility to infections, and
disrupting collagen synthesis [12].
Additionally, our study found a significant deficiency in vitamin D intake
among the participants. Vitamin D plays a vital role in supporting calcium and
phosphorus absorption. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to reduced bone
density, osteoporosis, or osteomalacia (bone softening). Insufficient vitamin D
also increases susceptibility to infections and diseases. During lactation, vitamin
D deficiency can negatively impact maternal mood and exacerbate postpartum
depression. In infants, inadequate vitamin D intake can hinder proper bone
development, leading to skeletal deformities and slowed growth [10, 11].
Vitamin PP (niacin or vitamin B3) is essential during lactation, as it
supports fundamental physiological processes such as energy production,
nervous system function, and skin health. Niacin is involved in energy
metabolism, and its deficiency can cause fatigue, weakness, and general loss of
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motivation. Furthermore, a lack of niacin may result in dermatitis, dry skin, and
inflammation. Breastfeeding women should ensure their daily diet includes
niacin-rich foods such as meat, fish, grains, nuts, and legumes [8, 9].
Vitamin B12 is critical for red blood cell production in lactating mothers. A
deficiency in this vitamin can lead to megaloblastic anemia, causing symptoms
such as fatigue, weakness, and dizziness. Our study found that participants' daily
intake of vitamin B12 was below the recommended level. Foods rich in vitamin
B12 include meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products [8, 9].
CONCLUSION.
In conclusion, our study indicates that lactating women
aged 18-29 years residing in rural areas of the Kashkadarya region consume
insufficient amounts of vitamins C, D, PP, and B12. The provision of vitamins B2
and B6 is within normal limits, while the intake of vitamins A, E, and B1 exceeds
the recommended levels.
Studying the vitamin provision of lactating women is crucial for maintaining and
strengthening maternal and infant health. Our findings highlight the necessity of
further large-scale research on this issue.
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