Macronutrient and micronutrient composition of breast milk from women of different ages and dietary habits in Shanghai area

Abstract

Breast milk samples were collected in Shanghai, and classified into four groups according to mothers' age and dietary habits. No major difference was found in the saturated fatty acids among the four groups. The percentage relative to total palmitic acid of palmitic acid in sn-2 position ranged from 71.5 to 77.8% and was not affected by the mothers’ age. The content of vitamins D and E were very low, and vitamins K, B1, B2, and B12 were not detected in all the groups. For the same age group, the group with regular vitamin and mineral supplements intake with higer content of calcium, zinc and iron, and with higer Ca/P ratio. Sufficient docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) were found and the daily supplementation may be not necessary. Vitamin D, vitamin K and vitamin B supplementation is needed for breastfed babies.