As new mothers care for their babies, a recent discovery in children's nutrition provides important benefits for both mother and child.

Research shows that if mothers incorporate red palm oil into their diet, levels of provitamin A carotenoids significantly increase in both their blood serum and breastmilk, which ultimately increases alpha and beta carotene levels in their baby’s serum. This is a positive finding towards neonatal growth and paediatric health overall since vitamin A is one of the most essential nutrients for foetus, neonates and infants.

According to research conducted in Hyderabad, India and Tanzania , pregnant and lactating mothers who incorporate red palm oil in moderation as a salad dressing or use it for cooking with stir fry dishes have higher retinols level in mother and infant, a lesser rate of anaemia (red blood cells deficiency) among pregnant mothers compared to those who don’t take red palm oil in their diet.

Essential nutrients

Provitamin A carotenoids are essential nutrients that the body converts into vitamin A. This vitamin is crucial for vision, immune function and cellular health. For pregnant and nursing mothers, adequate levels of these nutrients are important to ensure their infants receive sufficient nutrient through breastmilk for appropriate foetal growth.

Vitamin A deficiency in infants can lead to severe health issues, including stunted growth, impaired vision and increased susceptibility to infections.

Studies have shown that palm oil, which is rich in natural carotenoids, can significantly enhance the levels of these nutrients in the maternal plasma and when consumed by lactating mothers, the carotenoids from palm oil are transferred through breastmilk improving its quality, and directly benefiting the infant by boosting neonatal immune system and aiding brain development . This is especially important in regions where dietary diversity is limited and access to vitamin A-rich food is scarce.

Sourcing sustainable palm oil

While the nutritional benefits of palm oil are clear, the importance of sourcing sustainable palm oil is also important. The palm oil industry has historically been linked to deforestation and habitat destruction. However, Malaysia’s palm oil industry has been working tirelessly in recent years to tackle sustainability goals and environmental impact. By adhering to rigorous environmental and ethical standards, now sustainable oil palm farms in Malaysia protect ecosystems, support local communities and promote biodiversity.

Malaysian palm oil, which has always been produced under the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification scheme, means consumers can enjoy the health benefits of palm oil while contributing to a more equitable and environmentally-friendly industry. The MSPO certification guarantees that the palm oil is produced in a manner that prioritises environmental sustainability, social responsibility and economic viability.

Palm oil can be a valuable addition to the diet of breastfeeding mothers, offering a rich source of energy, essential vitamins and beneficial fat that support both the mother’s and infant’s health.

However, it is vital that sustainable palm oil be prioritised so we can help mitigate the negative impacts associated with conventional palm oil production, ensuring a healthier future for our families and our planet.

-- BERNAMA

Dr Malar Santhi Santherasegapan is a medical officer who holds M.D. CSMU (Ukr), MBA in Healthcare Management – HONS (UTM), PDAM (IIWAM), IES (London).