Effect of storage time and temperature on folacin and vitamin C levels in term and preterm human milk

Am J Clin Nutr. 1985 Feb;41(2):235-42. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/41.2.235.

Abstract

A survey of infant feeding practices indicated that 40% of the mothers who breast-fed their infants frequently expressed and stored their milk in the home refrigerator/freezer prior to feeding. Effects of different lengths of storage time on the levels of folacin and vitamin C in both term (T) and preterm (PT) human milk were examined. Folacin and vitamin C intakes of most mothers were such that the levels of these vitamins in milk appeared to have reached saturation. Folacin levels in T and PT milk were similar but were lower in both after three months of freezer storage compared to one week of storage. Vitamin C content in PT milk was significantly higher than that in T milk and did not change after three months of freezer storage, whereas the vitamin C level in T milk decreased significantly. After 24 hr refrigeration of T milk, vitamin C content was lower but the folacin level was similar to that observed prior to refrigeration. The findings indicated that T or PT human milk, stored for 3 months in the freezer, would provide the recommended allowance of vitamin C but not of folacin for infants.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Ascorbic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Ascorbic Acid / analysis*
  • Cold Temperature
  • Diet
  • Female
  • Folic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Folic Acid / analysis*
  • Freezing
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Milk, Human / analysis*
  • Specimen Handling
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Folic Acid
  • Ascorbic Acid