Fatty acid composition of human milk in Kuwaiti mothers

Abstract

Kuwaiti diet is exceptionally rich in fat, carbohydrates and proteins. In addition, subjects in Kuwait are exposed to extreme heat and sun light. Fatty acid profiles of human milk obtained from 19 full breast feeding Kuwaiti mothers were analyzed. Dietary patterns for individual mothers were determined by 24 h dietary recall and food frequency questionnaire. The fatty acid content of human milk was affected by the diet consumed by the lactating mother. The content of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) in human milk lipids did not correlate with their parent fatty acids like linoleic and α-linolenic acids. However the human milk LCP were related to the of content of LCP in the maternal diet. Mothers reporting a high fish consumption showed significant amounts of C22:6, ω3 and C20:5, ω3 fatty acids. As a general conclusion, breast milk produced by a well nourished mother is better suited to meet the lipid requirements of infants.