Assessment of Fatty Acid Content in the Milk of Women from the West Pomeranian Region of Poland with Regard to Supplementation and the Amount of Adipose Tissue

Abstract

We analyzed milk samples obtained 6-7 weeks postpartum from 60 women. The content of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) in lipids was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) using a Clarus 600 device (PerkinElmer). Women using dietary supplements had significantly higher levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (C22:6 n-3) (p = 0.000) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (20:5 n-3) (p = 0.000). The levels of eicosatrienoic acid (ETA) (C20:3 n-3) and γ-linolenic acid (GLA) increased with the amount of body fat, and the level of DHA was lowest in subjects where body fat exceeded 40% (p = 0.036). The contents of fatty acids in the milk of women from the West Pomeranian region of Poland were similar to that reported by other authors. The levels of DHA in women using dietary supplements was also comparable to the values reported worldwide. BMI had an effect on the levels of ETE and GLA acids.