15-Apo-β-caroten-15-ol; 3,7-Dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-enyl)nona-2,4,6,8-tetraen-1-ol

Vitamin A is widely distributed in animal and plant foods. Except in certain nutritionally deficient populations, with a varied and balanced diet, vitamin A supplements are not necessary in most women. ^{(Gannon 2020)}

Retinol or vitamin A is a natural component of breast milk. It contains about 750 μg/L (1 μg = 1 mcg = 1 microgram = 3.33 IU of Vit. A).

The daily needs of the infant are 400-500 μg and in the nursing mother 1,200-1,300 μg ^{(NIH 2018, Ares 2015, Hall 2010)}. Doses of more than 3,000 μg daily (10,000 IU) should be avoided in the nursing mother ^{(NIH 2018)}. There is a risk of serious poisoning with isolated doses of 25,000 IU and chronic doses of 5,000 IU per day.

Vitamin A deficiency leads to xerophthalmia, anemia, growth retardation, and increased infectious morbidity and mortality ^{(Sommer 2002)}. In regions with serious socioeconomic problems, there is a high prevalence of vitamin A deficiency. ^{(Souza 2012, Ahmed 2003)}

There is no conclusive evidence that the administration of mega doses (200,000 - 400,000 IU) of postpartum vitamin A is effective in reducing maternal or infant morbidity and mortality ^{(Oliveira 2016, Grilo 2016, McCauley 2015, Fernandes 2012, Gogia 2011 and 2010)} or that it reduces the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV ^{(Wiysonge 2017)} and may increase the risk of HIV transmission and mastitis in HIV-infected mothers ^{(Villamor 2010, Arsenault 2010)}. Administering mega doses of vitamin A increases the colostrum concentration of vitamin A but reduces that of alpha-tocopherol or vitamin E. ^{(Grilo 2016 and 2015)}

WHO 2002 Essential Medicines List: Compatible with breastfeeding. ^{(WHO 2002)}