A nurse is reinforcing teaching about nutritional requirements during lactation for a client who is planning to breastfeed her newborn. Which of the following nutrients should nurse recommend the client increase during lactation?

• A. Vitamin A
• B. Vitamin C
• C. Vitamin D
• D. Vitamin B12

Answer: (B)

During lactation, a mother’s nutritional needs rise to support both breast milk production and her own recovery after childbirth. Vitamin C stands out as a nutrient with an increased requirement during this period. The daily need for vitamin C goes up to about 120 mg, and this vitamin plays a crucial role in collagen formation and wound healing, supports the mother’s immune defenses, and is secreted into breast milk to aid the infant’s immune system and development. Since the body doesn’t store large amounts of vitamin C and intake can easily fall short with high stress or illness, emphasizing regular, adequate intake is important. Encourage vitamin C–rich foods such as citrus fruits, berries, peppers, broccoli, and leafy greens, and consider supplementation if dietary intake is insufficient.

Vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 remain important for overall health and lactation, but vitamin C has a clearly increased lactation-specific need and a direct, beneficial impact on both mother and baby through the milk, making it the best nutrient to focus on increasing.