Abstract
Human milk (HM) fatty acid (FA) composition differs between mothers. The FA of HM include branched chain fatty acids (BCFA). HM BCFA may be influenced by maternal consumption of ruminant products; data are lacking. We examined BCFA concentrations in HM from 3 urban populations with differing diets: Cincinnati, Shanghai and Mexico City. Sample collection was standardized as part of the GEHM study. Enrollment was limited to healthy mothers of term, singleton infants. FA were extracted from milk using Bligh‐Dyer and analyzed by gas chromatography. Dietary analysis included three 24 hour dietary recalls, limited to Cincinnati mothers. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA. Samples from ~115 women were analyzed per site at postpartum week 4. Cincinnati, Shanghai and Mexican mothers, respectively, had mean age in years of 32, 29, and 25; prepregnancy BMIs of 28, 21, and 24; and parity of 2, 1, and 2. The BCFA iso14:0, iso16:0, iso18:0, iso20:0, anteiso15:0, anteiso17:0 all differed in concentration (p<0.0001) among cohorts. With linear regression of BCFA, site differences persisted after controlling for delivery mode, maternal age and BMI. Intake of dairy was associated with iso14:0, anteiso15:0 and iso16:0 but not the longer BCFA. Beef intake was not associated with any BCFA. The BCFA intake of breastfed infants differs significantly worldwide; its significance requires investigation.
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