International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

According to a new study, 94 per cent of mothers that breastfeed do not follow a proper diet during nursing.

The mothers did not consume the recommended daily intake of fat, vitamins A and E and iron during breastfeeding, the study conducted by the University of Granada in Spain found.

However, they consumed too much protein. In order to increase and improve the nutritional supply to the newborn, as well as the health of the baby, mothers should consume the guideline levels of the vitamins and minerals.

Researchers collected 100 milk samples from 34 Andalusian mothers to produce the results.

More than 90 per cent of the mothers either ate a hypocaloric diet or had vitamin E deficits, while 88 per cent showed a vitamin A deficiency.

The Department of Health in the UK recommends that women breastfeed children for the first six months of their life so it provides them with adequate nutrition at the beginning of their lives.

Breastfeeding can be continued, alongside solid foods, after six months too, according to the department's guidelines.

Posted by Alexandra George