Final answer:
Breastfed infants of vegan mothers are recommended to receive supplementation of Vitamin B12 due to the risk of deficiencies that can cause developmental and neurological issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Breastfed infants of mothers who consumed a vegan diet while pregnant would benefit from supplementation of Vitamin B12. This micronutrient is crucial for numerous cellular processes, and its synthesis occurs solely in bacteria, notably in the guts of animals. Vegan diets lack a direct source of Vitamin B12, as plants do not synthesize this nutrient, which could lead to deficiencies in both the mother and the breastfeeding infant.
Without adequate Vitamin B12, infants may experience developmental delays and neurological issues. Therefore, it is critical for vegan mothers to ensure they and their infants receive sufficient Vitamin B12, which may require supplements or fortified foods to maintain optimal health outcomes.
An established recommendation is that everyone, including pregnant women, should ensure adequate intake of Vitamin B12 to preserve health and prevent deficiencies, which could be detrimental to a developing fetus and a breastfeeding infant.