Breast Milk Retinol Is Negatively Associated With General Parameters of Obesity in Lactating Women

Abstract

ObjectivesTo evaluate the correlation between breast milk retinol concentration and general parameters of obesity in lactating women. MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study design. Participants were 21 lactating women between 54.2 ± 2.35 d postpartum, and who declared exclusive or predominant breastfeeding practices. A casual sample of breast milk (∼3 mL) was collected and breast milk retinol was analyzed by HPLC. General anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist and hip circumference) were performed. The Spearman test was used to assess the correlation between the variables. ResultsParticipating lactating women were 19–34 y of age. Breast milk retinol concentration was 1.84 ± 0.84 μmol/L; 38.1% (n = 8) of lactating women had low breast milk concentration of vitamin A (< 1.05 μmol/L). Body Mass Index (BMI) was 26.7 ± 4.32; 33.3% of the women had a normal BMI, 52.4% were overweight and 14.3% were obese. Waist (83.2 ± 8.81 cm) and hip circumference (104 ± 9.35 cm), were also recorded. BMI (r = –0.551, p = 0.010), waist (r = –0.480, p = 0.028) and hip circumference (r = –0.484, p = 0.030) negatively correlated with retinol concentrations in breast milk. ConclusionsIn this group of women, breast milk retinol concentration was lower in women with higher BMI, waist and hip circumference. Funding SourcesJA-P received a fellowship from the Mexican National Research and Technology Council.