Chapter 5 - Antioxidants in Breast Milk of Lactating Mothers with HIV

Abstract

Antioxidants play important roles in growth, development, detoxification, and effective immune responses. It is reported that the serum concentrations of antioxidants are altered in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, there is the dearth of information on the effects of HIV on the quality of breast milk, especially its antioxidants components. The breast milk of lactating mothers with HIV contains all the antioxidants that are normally found in human milk, although there are slight alterations. Breast milk concentrations of copper, iron, total antioxidant potential, riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and folate are lower in lactating mothers with HIV compared with HIV-negative mothers. Other antioxidant trace elements and vitamins are in comparable concentrations. It appears that shedding of HIV is not only the problem with breastfeeding but also a reduction in breast milk concentrations of certain antioxidants that are vital for infant growth and survival.