Vitamin C is reduced in human milk after storage.
In order to establish how cold storage of human milk affects levels of bioavailable vitamin C, 11 samples were stored for 24 h in the refrigerator or up to 2 mo in the freezer. Total vitamin C levels decreased on average by one-third in the refrigerator or after I mo of freezing, with wide variations between individuals (6 to 76% and 3 to 100%, respectively). After 2 mo of freezing, the average decrease was two-thirds (7-100%).


CONCLUSIONS
We recommend a change in human milk storage practices, to under 24 h in a refrigerator or under 1 mo in a freezer. Alternatively, vitamin C supplementation may be considered.
Buss
I H
IH
Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Christchurch School of Medicine, New Zealand. hendrikje.buss@chmeds.ac.nz
McGill
F
F
Darlow
B A
BA
Winterbourn
C C
CC
D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000032:analysis*; D004355:Drug Stability; D005260:Female; D005615:Freezing; D006801:Humans; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000737:chemistry*; D012034:Refrigeration / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D013997:Time Factors
D001205:Ascorbic Acid