P1102 B-CAROTENE, FREE NUCLEOTIDES AND NUCLEOSIDES IN HUMAN MILK IN TAIWAN

Abstract

Introduction: This investigation assessed the content of b-carotene, free nucleotides and nucleosides in breast milk of mothers in Taiwan with different lactation days, whether vegetarian, vitamin taking or not, which can provide us information relevant to infants nutritional need and also maternal nutritional requirements during lactations. Methods: Methods: A total of 53 individual milk specimens were collected from women at 4 stages of lactation: 1st week, 1st month, 2nd month and 3rd to 9th month. Maternal history of taking vitamin tablets, vegetarian or non-vegetarian dietary patterns were recorded. The samples were analyzed for b-carotene, nucleotides and nucleosides by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: b-carotene content was highest in colostrums, then became constant in mature milk, no statistically significant difference was detected between vitamin taking or not.The predominant nucleotide in Taiwanese human milk was cytidine diphosphate (CDP) for almost all samples, regardless of the stage of lactation or dietary status of the subjects. For free nucleosides, cytidine and uridine were predominant during all stages of lactation. No statistically significant differences were observed between vegetarian and non-vegetarian women. Conclusion: Breast milk from healthy, well nourish mothers provides all the nutrients necessary for their babies. Vitamin supplement does not affect the concentration of b-carotene in breast milk. No statistically significant differences of free nucleotides and nucleosides in breast milk were observed between vegetarian and non-vegetarian women.