Docosahexaenoic acid, nervonic acid and iso‐20 (BCFA) concentrations in human milk from the Global Exploration of Human Milk Project (623.15)

Abstract

The fatty acids (FA) of human milk, including DHA, NA, and BCFA may confer distinct neurological and immune benefits to the infant. Milk FA profile varies with maternal diet, but global comparative data on milk FA composition is lacking. To address this gap, we examined FA concentrations in human milk from three urban populations with differing diets: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Shanghai, China; and Mexico City, Mexico. Sample collection was standardized as part of the GEHM cohort study. Enrollment was limited to healthy mothers of term, singleton infants. Fatty acids were extracted from milk using the Bligh‐Dyer technique and analyzed by gas chromatography. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA. Samples from 25 women were analyzed per site at postpartum week 4. Cincinnati, Shanghai and Mexico mothers, respectively, had mean prepregnancy BMIs of 27.1, 20.1, 28.1; age at delivery of 29.4, 28.5, 25.7 yrs; and parity of 2, 1, and 2. Mean concentrations (mol weight%) of FA differed by cohort, with the highest DHA and NA in milk from Shanghai, followed by Cincinnati, then Mexico (DHA: 0.47, 0.22, 0.16, p=0.001; and NA: 0.23, 0.16, 0.10, p=0.01). In contrast, BCFA (iso‐C20:0) was highest in Cincinnati (0.39), and equivalent in Shanghai and Mexico (0.24, 0.24; p=0.01). The FA intake of breastfed infants differs significantly worldwide; the significance of this to early infant health requires investigation.Grant Funding Source: Supported by NIH HD13021