Which statement about the nutrient content of breast milk is true?

Which statement about the nutrient content of breast milk is true?

• A. Breast milk is a poor source of vitamin D and iron.
• B. Breast milk is an excellent source of vitamin D, iron, and other essential nutrients.
• C. Breast milk contains high levels of vitamin C.
• D. Breast milk provides all nutrients; no supplementation needed.

Answer: (A)

Breast milk covers many aspects of an infant’s needs, but it does not provide vitamin D and iron in enough total amounts to meet daily requirements. Vitamin D content in breast milk is low, and guidelines universally recommend giving all breastfed infants a daily vitamin D supplement starting soon after birth. Iron content in breast milk is also relatively low, and while the iron is highly bioavailable, the total amount is not sufficient for ongoing needs after about the first 4–6 months, when iron requirements rise. At that point, complementary foods rich in iron or an iron supplement are typically needed, especially for exclusively or predominantly breastfed babies. So the statement that breast milk is a poor source of vitamin D and iron aligns with how these nutrients are supplied to infants: adequate protection and nutrition come from breast milk for many components, but vitamin D and iron require supplementation or dietary strategies to ensure proper levels. The other statements overstate the vitamin D or iron content, claim high vitamin C levels, or say no supplementation is needed, all of which aren’t accurate given current pediatric guidance.

Breast milk covers many aspects of an infant’s needs, but it does not provide vitamin D and iron in enough total amounts to meet daily requirements. Vitamin D content in breast milk is low, and guidelines universally recommend giving all breastfed infants a daily vitamin D supplement starting soon after birth. Iron content in breast milk is also relatively low, and while the iron is highly bioavailable, the total amount is not sufficient for ongoing needs after about the first 4–6 months, when iron requirements rise. At that point, complementary foods rich in iron or an iron supplement are typically needed, especially for exclusively or predominantly breastfed babies.

So the statement that breast milk is a poor source of vitamin D and iron aligns with how these nutrients are supplied to infants: adequate protection and nutrition come from breast milk for many components, but vitamin D and iron require supplementation or dietary strategies to ensure proper levels. The other statements overstate the vitamin D or iron content, claim high vitamin C levels, or say no supplementation is needed, all of which aren’t accurate given current pediatric guidance.