Red Palm oil offers a nutritional boost for pregnant, nursing mothers and their infants

 

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 increases 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 salad dressing or in stir fry cooking have higher retinols level in mother and infants as well as lesser rate of anaemia (red blood cells deficiency) compared to those who don’t have red palm oil in their diet.

Provitamin A carotenoids are essential nutrients that the body converts into vitamin A. This vitamin is crucial for vision, immune function and cellular health.

Red palm oil

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.

Sustainable palm oil sourcing

Studies have shown that palm oil which is rich in natural carotenoids can significantly enhance the levels of these nutrients in the maternal plasma.

When consumed by lactating mothers, the carotenoids from palm oil which is transferred through breastmilk directly benefit 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.

While the nutritional benefits of palm oil are clear, the importance of sourcing sustainable palm oil is also important.

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, sustainable palm oil farms in Malaysia have been able to protect the ecosystem, support local communities and promote biodiversity.

Produced under the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification scheme, Malaysian palm oil has always ensured that 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 valuable addition to the diet of breastfeeding mothers by offering rich source of energy, essential vitamins and beneficial fat that support both 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, hence ensuring a healthier future for our families and our planet.

Dr Malar Santhi Santherasegapan is a medical officer in Columbia Asia Hospital.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.

- Focus Malaysia