RRR-α-tocopherol as a Predominant Stereo-isomer in Chinese Breast Milk During Lactation Stages (P11-057-19)

Abstract

ObjectivesHuman milk is the most important source for neonates to acquire adequate vitamin E for their immune system and brain growth. Among all tocopherols, infant brain discriminates in favor of the natural occurring RRR-α-tocopherol against the synthetic α-tocopherol stereoisomers and other tocopherols. However, the stereoisomer profiles of α-tocopherol in Chinese human milk have not been previously reported. This study aimed to analyze the stereoisomer profile of α-tocopherol in Chinese human milk over different lactation stages. MethodsColostrum (day 0–7), transitional milk (day 8–15) and mature milk (day 40–45) were collected longitudinally from 89 healthy lactating mothers of full-term, singleton delivery. The levels of α-tocopherol stereoisomers (RRR, RSR, RSS, RRS, Σ2S) were determined by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. ResultsIn three lactation stages, RRR-α-tocopherol is the predominated stereoisomers in Chinese human milk (P < 0.0001), accounting for an average proportion of 85% of total α-tocopherol. In contrast, the ratios of the synthetic stereoisomers were RRS, 5.10-6.02%; RSR, 2.32-3.31%, RSS, 2.66-2.85%; and Σ2S, 2.89%-3.49%. The mean total α-tocopherol was 9.20mg/L in colostrum but sharply declined to 4.10 mg/L in mature milk. After taking the different breastfeeding volumes over lactation stages into consideration, Chinese human milk constantly provided about 3.5 mg/day α-tocopherol and 2.98 mg/day RRR-α-tocopherol to infants. ConclusionsRRR-α-tocopherol is the predominated stereoisomer in Chinese human milk over different lactation stages. Chinese breastmilk supply higher % of RRR- stereoisomer as 85% of total α-tocopherol than US report as 75%. There is, therefore, a demand to add matched level of RRR- α-tocopherol in Chinese formula. Funding SourcesAbbott.