Laura Walker requested information about the use of vitamin E on painful
nipples.

Vitamin E is a potent sensitizer that can produce both allergic contact
dermatitis and generalized urticarial reactions.  This would hardly seem
ideal on tissue as sensitive and vulnerable as nipple skin.  Secondly,
vitamin E used in this way will result in its ingestion by the infant.   The
recommended daily allowance of vitamin E for infants is around 3 IU while
vitamin E capsules can have up to 800 IU.

Shirley Gross


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M. Shirley Gross M.D.,C.M., C.C.F.P.
Director, Edmonton Breastfeeding Clinic
Assistant Clinical Professor
Depts. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and of Family Medicine
University of Alberta, Canada
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