Acids In Breast Milk Research Articles

Long-chain saturated fatty acids in breast milk are associated with the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis via induction of inflammatory ILC3s

Breastfeeding influences the immune system development in infants and may even affect various immunological responses later in life. Breast milk provides a rich source of early nutrition for infant growth and development. However, the presence of certain compounds in breast milk, related to an unhealthy lifestyle or the diet of lactating mothers, may negatively impact infants. Based on a cohort study of atopic dermatitis (AD), we find the presence of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) activity in the mother’s milk. By non-targeted metabolomic analysis, we identify the long-chain saturated fatty acids (LCSFA) as a biomarker DAMPs (+) breast milk samples. Similarly, a mouse model in which breastfed offspring are fed milk high in LCSFA show AD onset later in life. We prove that LCSFA are a type of damage-associated molecular patterns, which initiate a series of inflammatory events in the gut involving type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s). A remarkable increase in inflammatory ILC3s is observed in the gut, and the migration of these ILC3s to the skin may be potential triggers of AD. Gene expression analysis of ILC3s isolated from the gut reveal upregulation of genes that increase ILC3s and chemokines/chemokine receptors, which may play a role in ILC migration to the skin. Even in the absence of adaptive immunity, Rag1 knockout mice fed a high-LCSFA milk diet develop eczema, accompanied by increased gut ILC3s. We also present that gut microbiota of AD-prone PA milk-fed mice is different from non-AD OA/ND milk-fed mice. Here, we propose that early exposure to LCSFAs in infants may affect the balance of intestinal innate immunity, inducing a highly inflammatory environment with the proliferation of ILC3s and production of interleukin-17 and interleukin-22, these factors may be potential triggers or worsening factors of AD.

Maternal Nutrition Status and Human Milk Composition of DHA and AA Fatty Acids in Breastfeeding Honduran Women

Dietary habits and maternal nutrition status are the most important modifiable factors that will determine the concentration of certain essential components and nutrients in Breast Milk (BM).The objectives were to estimate the nutritional status of Breastfeeding (BF) women in rural Honduras, identifying the main food sources that contribute to the consumption of EFA and its content in BM. The Honduran study was part of an international study with a sample (n=25) with children between 26 and 64 days of age. The consumption of food sources of Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) was evaluated with a frequency questionnaire. BMcomposition was analyzed using the dry drop method with Guthrie cards. 56% of mothers provided exclusive BF, 27% of mothers were overweightand 68% had excess body fat. The average monthly consumptionof marine foods was 1.44, 0.60 and 0.68 servings of fish, sardines and tuna, respectively. The average consumption of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Arachidonic Acid (AA) was 0.05 g / day. The content of DHA, EPA and AA fatty acids in BM was 0.14, 0.01 and 0.4% respectively. The amount of DHA and AA in the BF women is well below the median values of a global reference distribution.

Analysis of Fatty Acids in Breastmilk During a 9-month Lactation Period Using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS)

Breastmilk is very much needed to meet the needs of babies in every way because it contains important nutrients, carbohydrates in the form of lactose, and fatty acids in the form of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Research on fatty acid content in breastmilk with a lactation period of 9 months is needed to provide information to the public related to fatty acid content of breastmilk during 9 months lactation. The study is to analyze fatty acid content in the form of saturated fatty acids or unsaturated fat contained in breast milk. Breastmilk taken in the study was as much as 50 ml in a 250 ml erlenmeyer solution. To the sample 50 ml of concentrated, HCL concentration was added as much as 5 m and then the solution was beat for 15 minutes and was exposed ultrasonic therapy for 1 hour. The solution was then extracted using n-hexane and aquabidest solution until the milk oil solution was separated. Milk oil was extracted by adding 50 ml of Na2SO4 1 m then deciphere was performed. The breastmilk milk extraction oil was weighed 0.1 gram in a Teflon-filled reaction tube. A 15% BF3 solution in methanol was added 0.5 ml and then was heated in an air bath with a temperature of 45 ° C for 30 minutes. After cooling, solution of 0.2 ml of n-hexane was added to form two layers. The upper layer which was fatty acid methyl ester was taken by using syringe and then was injected in GC-MS. In this study, the total saturated fatty acid was 42.54% and the total unsaturated fatty acid was 57.17%. Saturated fatty acids consisted of lauric, myristic, palmitate, and stearate. Omega-6 fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids consisted of omega-9 fatty acids. In Mother's Milk with 9 months lactation period there are various fatty acid content of both saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids (omega-9) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-6).

Relationship between docohexaenoid acid in breastmilk and development scores at infant 18–23 months of age

This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between DHA and development of motoric, cognitive, and socioemotional (DMCS) at infant 18-23 months of age. This was a cohort study following a supplementation to pregnant and lactating mothers with Moringa oleifera leaf (MOL) or iron folic acid (IFA). DHA in breastmilk was measured at 6 months of age (n=64). DMCS was measured at their age 18-23 months using CREDI (Caregiver Reported Early Childhood Development Index). All measurements were assessed by trained field workers using a standard questionnaire and data was analyzed using Spearman Correlation. Majority of mothers were between 20 and 35yr old (71.9%), less than 12yr of education (71.9%), household wife (84.4%), and from farmers family (40.6%). There were borderline significant relationships between DHA levels and cognitive and motoric score (p=0.096, r=0.210 and p=0.064, r=0.233 respectively for cognitive and motoric). However, there was a significant relationship between DHA and socioemotional score (p=0.049, r=0.247). We conclude that DHA in breastmilk 6 months would predict the development of motoric, cognitive, and socioemotional of infant at the period of 18-23 months of age.

Women’s Plasma Phospholipid DHA Concentration Directly Relates to Breast Milk and Infant DHA Status in the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition Study

Abstract Objectives The fatty acids docosahexaenoic (DHA) and arachidonic (AA) acids are in breast milk are important for the infant's development. Our objective was to use data collected in the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) cohort, to identify the relationship between maternal serum status of DHA and the concentration of DHA in breast milk and infants’ plasma phospholipids (PL) at three months postpartum. Methods The study used data from the APrON cohort. The cohort participants were 31.1 ± 4.5 years and the majority had a healthy BMI (24.2 ± 4.8 kg/m,2) and high education status (88% trade, university or higher). Maternal and infant blood samples and breast milk spot samples were collected and the fatty acid composition/concentration of DHA and AA determined by gas liquid chromatography. Results The median DHA concentrations (µg/mL) in maternal serum phospholipids (PL) significantly changed through gestation (P < 0.05) and was 43 (IQR 28–59, n = 287), 58 (IQR 38–80, n = 1115), 83 (IQR 65–103, n = 794) and 10 (IQR 7–14, n = 891) for each trimester and 3 months postpartum, respectively. Compared to trimester 1, DHA concentration was the higher in the third trimester and lowest during breastfeeding (P < 0.001). The %DHA in breast milk (median: 0.19%, IQR: 0.13–0.29%, n = 1483) was lower than the reported global average, while AA (median: 0.47%, IQR: 0.36–0.55%, n = 1483) was similar. Postpartum breast milk DHA directly correlated with maternal (r = 0.38, P < 0.001) and infant serum PL DHA concentrations (P < 0.05). Conclusions In summary, maternal PL DHA concentration changed significantly through gestation and DHA concentration in breast milk at three months postpartum was below the proportion considered optimal (0.30–0.64%). Targeting maternal DHA status will help optimize the concentration of this essential long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid in breast milk and ultimately improve infant status. Funding Sources CIHR and Alberta Innovates.

Quantification of breast milk trans fatty acids and trans fat intake by Hong Kong lactating women.

Diet westernization in Hong Kong may increase trans fat intake, whereas it may decrease intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The present study was to determine the current breast milk fatty acid composition and trans fat intake by Hong Kong lactating mothers. Sixty lactating women were recruited for the study. Each participant donated 15 ml of milk at week 4 and 6 after delivery. Dietary data were collected using a 3-day food record method, covering 2 weekdays and 1 weekend day. Milk fatty acids were analyzed using a gas chromatography method. Trans fat consumption was assessed using the Nutrition Data System for Research or calculating the intake based on percentage of trans fatty acids in the breast milk. Linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid in breast milk were 16.23%, 1.52%, 0.59%, and 0.66% total milk lipids, respectively. Mean daily intakes of total fat, saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, were 79, 24, 29, and 18 g, respectively. Total trans fat intake was estimated to be 1.15-1.20 g daily and accounted for 0.50-0.52% total energy. Breast milk of Hong Kong Chinese lactating women contained relatively higher contents of arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids compared with those of Western countries. Compared with the previous study conducted in 1995, breast milk total trans fatty acids in 2018 still remained low. Total trans fat intake by Hong Kong lactating women in 2018 was a half of WHO's recommendation that total trans fat intake should be <1% total energy.

The effect of holothuria scabra on the level of docosahexaenoic acid in breast milk with preterm birth

The objective of the research was to determine the giving of Holothuria scabra on the level of Docoxahexaenoic Acid (DHA) of breast milk with preterm chilbirth. The research was a quasi experimental study with control group design. The samples were postpartum mothers with preterm childbirth consisted of 40 people divided into two groups. Postpartum mothers given Holothuria scabra capsule were intervention group and the postpartum mothers not given Holothuria scabra were control group. The sample of mother's milk of pretest of each group was taken in the seventh day and seven day later the sample was taken 3cc. Intervention was done for 7 days per sample with 3 times dosage consisted of 2 capsules per day. The sample of breast milk was examined with Human DHA ELISA kit. The data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney test and Wilcoxon test. The results of the research indicated the difference of DHA level between intervention group and control group with a value of p=value 0.006. After the intervention, the average increase was 187.02μg/mL for intervention group and 7.05μg/mL for control group with a value of 1151.04μg/mL.

Influence of sulfonated and diet-derived human milk oligosaccharides on the infant microbiome and immune markers

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) promote the development of the neonatal intestinal, immune, and nervous systems and has recently received considerable attention. Here we investigated how the maternal diet affects HMO biosynthesis and how any diet-induced HMO alterations influence the infant gut microbiome and immunity. Using capillary electrophoresis and MS-based analyses, we extracted and measured HMOs from breast milk samples and then correlated their levels with results from validated 24-h diet recall surveys and breast milk fatty acids. We found that fruit intake and unsaturated fatty acids in breast milk were positively correlated with an increased absolute abundance of numerous HMOs, including 16 sulfonated HMOs we identified here in humans for the first time. The diet-derived monosaccharide 5-N-glycolyl-neuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) was unambiguously detected in all samples. To gain insights into the potential impact of Neu5Gc on the infant microbiome, we used a constrained ordination approach and identified correlations between Neu5Gc levels and Bacteroides spp. in infant stool. However, Neu5Gc was not associated with marked changes in infant immune markers, in contrast with sulfonated HMOs, whose expression correlated with suppression of two major Th2 cytokines, IL-10 and IL-13. The findings of our work highlight the importance of maternal diet for HMO biosynthesis and provide as yet unexplored targets for future studies investigating interactions between HMOs and the intestinal microbiome and immunity in infants.

Simultaneous exploration of nutrients and pollutants in human milk and their impact on preterm infant growth: An integrative cross-platform approach

Early nutritional management including fortified human breastmilk is currently recommended to fulfil the energy demands and counterbalance risks associated to preterm birth. However, little is known about the potential adverse effects of exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) carried in human milk on preterm infant growth. We conducted a pilot study proving the application of an integrative analytical approach based on mass spectrometry (MS) coupled to advanced statistical models, favouring the comprehensive molecular profiling to support the identification of multiple biomarkers. We applied this workflow in the frame of a preterm infants’ cohort to explore environmental determinants of growth. The combination of high resolution gas and liquid chromatography MS platforms generated a large molecular profile, including 102 pollutants and nutrients (targeted analysis) and 784 metabolites (non-targeted analysis). Data analysis consisted in a preliminary examination of associations between the signatures of POPs and the normalised growth of preterm infants, using multivariate linear regression adjusting for known confounding variables. A second analysis aimed to identify multidimensional biomarkers using a multiblock algorithm allowing the integration of multiple datasets in the growth model of preterm infants. The preliminary results did not suggest an impairment of preterm growth associated to the milk concentrations of POPs. The multiblock approach however revealed complex interrelated molecular networks of POPs, lipids, metabolites and amino acids in breastmilk associated to preterm infant growth, supporting the high potential of biomarkers exploration of this proposed workflow. Whereas the present study intended to identify simultaneously pollutant and nutrient exposure profiles associated to early preterm infant growth, this workflow may be easily adapted and applied to other matrices (e.g. serum) and research settings, favouring the functional exploration of environmental determinants of complex and multifactorial diseases.

Impact of pre-pregnancy excessive body weight on the composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids in breast milk: a systematic review

This study aims to identify through a systematic review the possible effects of pre-gestational excessive body weight on the composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids in human milk. The papers were selected in the following databases: PubMed, Virtual Health Library, EMBASE, Web of Science and SCOPUS. The search strategy employed descriptors: ‘Human Milk’ AND ‘Obesity’ OR ‘Overweight’ OR ‘Body Mass Index’ AND ‘Fatty acid’ OR ‘Omega3’ OR ‘Omega6’. According to the established strategy, six manuscripts were selected. Most of the selected studies concluded that mothers with excessive body weight presented a milk with a higher concentration of omega 6. In addition, all selected studies identified an increased Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio in the milk of pre-gestational excessive body weight mothers compared to the eutrophic ones. The milk of pre-gestational excessive body weight women had a higher Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio, which confirms the importance of starting pregnancy with adequate weight, thus minimising the possible influences that excessive body weight can cause infant health.

The MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism is associated with unmetabolized folic acid in breast milk in a cohort of Canadian women

Maternal nutrition and genetics are determinants of breast-milk nutrient composition and, as such, are determinants of the nutritional exposure of breastfed infants. The aim of this study was to determine whether common maternal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in folate-dependent enzymes are associated with breast-milk folate content in a cohort of mothers enrolled in the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study. The MIREC study is a Canadian prospective pregnancy cohort study that recruited 2001 participants between 2008 and 2011. Five folate-related SNPs-MTHFR 677C>T (rs1801133), MTHFR 1298A>C (rs1801131), MTHFR 1793G>A (rs2274976), MTR 2756A>G (rs1805087), and MTRR 66A>G (rs1801394)-were genotyped. Breast milk was sampled ∼1 mo postpartum, and tetrahydrofolate (THF), 5-methyl-THF, 5-formyl-THF, 5,10-methenyl-THF, and unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in a subset of participants (n=551). Associations were assessed using Wald's test. Associations were considered significant if P≤0.01 (Bonferroni correction for multiple testing). None of the SNPs were associated with total breast-milk folate. However, the MTHFR 677C>T SNP was associated with breast-milk UMFA (R2=0.01; unadjusted P=0.004), explaining a small portion of total variance; this association remained significant when adjusted for other covariates, including supplemental folic acid consumption. The MTHFR 1793G>A and MTRR 66A>G SNPs tended to be associated with 5-methyl-THF (R2=0.008, P=0.04) and reduced folates (THF+5-methyl-THF+5-formyl-THF+5,10-methenyl-THF; R2=0.01, P=0.02), respectively. We found that total breast-milk folate content was not associated with any of the folate-related SNPs examined. The association between the MTHFR 677C>T SNP and breast-milk UMFA, albeit modest, highlights the need to better understand the determinants of breast-milk folate and the impact they might have on milk folate bioavailability.

Breastfeeding: Investing in the Future.

Breastfeeding: Investing in the Future.

Dietary patterns affect maternal macronutrient intake levels and the fatty acid profile of breast milk in lactating Chinese mothers.

Fatty acids (FA) in human milk play an important role in meeting the nutritional demands and promoting the growth and development of breastfeeding infants. Breast milk FA is sensitive to maternal dietary habits, and dietary patterns are better used to explain the effect of diet on FA. Few studies have examined the association between maternal dietary patterns and the FA components of breast milk in developing countries. In this study, we aimed to determine whether dietary patterns affect the FA profile of breast milk in lactating Chinese mothers with the overall goal to optimize the management of infant feeding. A total of 274 lactating women ranging from 22 d to 6 mo postpartum were included, and samples of their breast milk were collected together with completed questionnaires. Using a principal component analysis, four dietary patterns were identified in a rotated component matrix. FA profiles were detected using capillary gas chromatography and presented as the percentage by weight of total FA. Maternal intake of energy, carbohydrates, and proteins showed differences between the different dietary patterns. In addition, there were significant differences in the total proportions of saturated, polyunsaturated, and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in breast milk among the four patterns (P < 0.001; P = 0.025; P = 0.038, respectively). The results demonstrate that maternal dietary patterns can affect macronutrient intake levels and milk FA profiles in lactating Chinese women. These results are of great significance in understanding how a maternal diet can both improve maternal macronutrient intake and the FA nutritional status of breast milk.

Quantity and species of fish consumed shape breast-milk fatty acid concentrations around Lake Victoria, Kenya.

Long-chain PUFA (LCPUFA) found in breast milk are derived from dietary sources and critical for optimal infant development. We examined associations between fish consumption and concentrations of LCPUFA and essential n-3 and n-6 fatty acids in breast milk among mothers living around Lake Victoria. We used cross-sectional analyses of associations between recent fish consumption and breast-milk fatty acid concentrations. The study was conducted around Lake Victoria on Mfangano Island, Kenya, where multiple fish species are key dietary components and also are widely exported. Breast-feeding mothers (n 60) provided breast-milk samples, anthropometric measurements and questionnaire responses. In the previous 3 d, 97 % of women consumed a mean of 178 (sd 111) g fish (~2 servings/3 d). Mean breast-milk concentrations included DHA (0·75 % of total fatty acids), EPA (0·16 %), α-linolenic acid (ALA; 0·54 %), arachidonic acid (AA; 0·44 %) and linoleic acid (LA; 12·7 %). Breast-milk DHA concentrations exceeded the global average of 0·32 % in fifty-nine of sixty samples. We found native cichlids (Cichlidae) and dagaa (Rastrineobola argentea) contributed high levels of DHA, EPA and AA to local diets. We also found evidence for associations between fish species consumed and breast-milk LCPUFA concentrations when controlling for intake of other fish species, maternal body mass, maternal age, child age and exclusive breast-feeding. The fatty acid composition of breast milk was influenced by the fish species consumed. Ensuring access to diverse fish and particularly inexpensive, locally available species, may be important for diet quality as well as infant growth and development.

IDENTIFIKASI ASAM LEMAK OMEGA PADA ASI EKSKLUSIF MENGGUNAKAN KROMATOGRAFI GC-MS

Abstract: Quantitative research aims to identify the omega fatty acids in exclusive breast milk (ASI) Exclusive. The data analysis used data chromatogram Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The data generated is breast milk (ASI) had higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids amounting to 28.24%, omega-6 and omega of 0.57% 9 at 26.56%. The conclusion from this study is there is the content of omega-3, omega-6, omega-9 fatty acids in breast milk (ASI). Highest levels of omega fatty acids in breast milk is the omega-3 fatty acid that is equal to 28.24%.Keywords: milk, omega fatty acids, GC-MS

Impact of maternal nutrition on breast-milk composition: a systematic review ,

Background: It is widely reported that maternal diet influences the nutritional composition of breast milk. The amount of variability in human milk attributable to diet remains mostly unknown. Most original studies that reported a dietary influence on breast-milk composition did not assess diet directly, did not quantify its association with milk composition, or both.Objective: To gather the quantitative evidence on this issue, we carried out a systematic PubMed and Medline search of articles published up to January 2015 and filtered the retrieved articles according to predefined criteria.Design: Only studies that provided quantitative information on both maternal diet and milk data, measured in individual healthy mothers of healthy term infants and based on an original observational or experimental design, were included. Exclusion criteria were a focus on supplements, transfer of toxic metals or other contaminants from diet to milk, or on marginally nourished women.Results: Thirty-six publications—including data on 1977 lactating women—that matched our criteria were identified. Seventeen studies investigated dietary effects on fatty acids in breast milk. The rest included studies that focused on a diverse spectrum of other nutritional properties of breast milk. The largest evidence, in terms of number of articles, for any link between maternal diet and a nutritive property of breast milk came from 3 studies that supported the link between fish consumption and high docosahexaenoic acid in breast milk and 2 studies that reported a positive correlation between dietary vitamin C and milk concentrations of this vitamin.Conclusions: The available information on this topic is scarce and diversified. Most of the evidence currently used in clinical practice to make recommendations is limited to studies that only reported indirect associations.

Higher concentrations of branched-chain amino acids in breast milk of obese mothers

ObjectiveNutrition during fetal life and early childhood is thought to play a crucial role in the risk for developing metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases in the future adult and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) intake may play a role in the development of obesity. The aim of this study was to compare the breast milk amino acid profiles of obese and normal weight (control) breast-feeding mothers. MethodsFifty obese and 50 control breast-feeding mothers were enrolled. Age and parity were similar in both groups. Breast milk samples were collected at the end of the first month of lactation. Free amino acid (FAA) concentrations in breast milk were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Comparisons between groups were performed using a two-tailed paired t test. ResultsWe analyzed 45 breast milk samples from each group. Body mass index was 34.3 ± 3.9 kg/m2 in the obese group and 21.6 ± 1.4 kg/m2 in the control group (P < 10−4). BCAA concentrations were higher in breast milk of obese mothers (95.5 ± 38.2 μM versus 79.8 ± 30.9 μM; P = 0.037), as was tyrosine concentration (13.8 ± 7.1 μM versus 10.6 ± 5.2 μM; P = 0.016). ConclusionThe mature breast milk of obese mothers contained 20% more BCAA and 30% more tyrosine than breast milk of control mothers. Whether altered breast milk FAA profile affects metabolic risk in the breast-fed child remains to be explored.

Cadmium Concentration in Mother's Blood, Milk, and Newborn's Blood and Its Correlation with Fatty Acids, Anthropometric Characteristics, and Mother's Smoking Status.

The aim of this study was to determine cadmium concentration in mothers' blood, milk, and newborns' blood from Szczecin (Poland) as a result of environmental cadmium exposure and evaluate the correlation (1) between cadmium levels in analyzed matrices, (2) between cadmium and fatty acids in those matrices, and (3) between cadmium and some selected personal variables, such as anthropometric characteristics, mothers' smoking status, and fruit and fish consumption by mothers. The concentration of cadmium in whole blood and milk of mothers and in the umbilical cord blood of newborns was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry with graphite furnace atomization and Zeeman correction. The fatty acid concentrations were determined by gas chromatography in our previous study. The mean concentrations of cadmium in maternal blood, newborn's blood, and breast milk were 0.61 ± 0.62μg/L, 0.05 ± 0.04μg/L, and 0.11 ± 0.07μg/L, respectively, and differed significantly between analyzed matrices. Cadmium concentrations in the umbilical cord blood were 15% (range 0-83%) of the concentration in maternal blood, whereas cadmium concentrations in breast milk constituted 35% (range 3-142%) of the concentration in mothers' blood. No correlation was found between cadmium levels in three analyzed matrices. The correlation analysis revealed significant low positive correlation between maternal blood cadmium concentrations and concentrations of elaidic, oleic, and cis-vaccenic acids in mothers' milk (correlation coefficients 0.30, 0.32, and 0.31, respectively). Mothers' blood cadmium correlated with mothers' age (r = -0.26, p = 0.03), maternal smoking before pregnancy (r = 0.55, p < 0.000), maternal smoking during pregnancy (r = 0.58, p < 0.000), and fruit consumption by mothers after delivery (r = -0.44, p = 0.003). Mothers' height was the only variable that correlated significantly with breast milk cadmium levels. Newborns' blood cadmium concentrations correlated significantly with mothers' height (r = 0.28, p = 0.02), newborns' birth weight (r = 0.26, p = 0.03), maternal smoking during pregnancy (r = 0.24, p = 0.048), and fish consumption by mothers after delivery (r = 0.37, p = 0.02). The concentrations of cadmium in Polish mother-newborn pairs are among the lowest in Europe and within the norms established by different institutions. The results of our study confirm the existence of effective partial barriers (such as the placenta and mammary gland) restricting cadmium passage from mother to newborn. The significant positive correlations between maternal blood Cd and concentrations of oleic, elaidic, and cis-vaccenic acids in breast milk might suggest the increased cadmium toxicity to infant, taking into consideration even low cadmium passage to milk. Maternal smoking during pregnancy increases both maternal and newborn's blood cadmium level. Promotion of nonsmoking among pregnant women could substantially reduce prenatal and neonatal exposure to cadmium. Moreover, the results of our study point to the need of establishing complex biomonitoring of cadmium in mother-infant pairs in order to better protect children from this toxic and carcinogenic metal exposure.

Association of polyunsaturated fatty acids in breast milk with fatty acid desaturase gene polymorphisms among Chinese lactating mothers

BackgroundThe fatty acid desaturase (FADS) controls polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) synthesis in human tissues and breast milk. DesignEvaluate the influence of 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and various haplotypes in the FADS gene cluster (FADS1, FADS2, FADS3) on PUFA concentration in the breast milk of 209 healthy Chinese women. PUFA concentrations were measured in breast milk using gas chromatography and genotyping was performed using the Sequenom Mass Array system. ResultsA SNP (rs1535) and 2-locus haplotypes (rs3834458-rs1535, rs1535-rs174575) in the FADS2 gene were associated with concentrations of γ-linoleic acid (GLA) and arachidonic acid (AA) in breast milk. Likewise, in the FADS1 gene, a 2-locus constructed haplotype (rs174547-rs174553) also affected GLA and AA concentration (P<0.05 for all). Minor allele carriers of the SNP and haplotypes described above had lower concentrations of GLA and AA. In the FADS2 gene, the 3-locus haplotype rs3834458-rs1535-rs174575, significantly affected concentrations of GLA but not AA. Pairwise comparison showed that individuals major homozygous for the SNP rs1000778 in the FADS3 gene had lower concentrations of ALA and linoleic acid (LA) in their breast milk. ConclusionPolymorphisms in the FADS gene cluster influence PUFA concentrations in the breast milk of Chinese Han lactating women.

Should there be a target level of docosahexaenoic acid in breast milk?

This article examines the evidence for and against establishing a target level of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in breast milk. Two target levels for milk DHA have been recently proposed. One (∼0.3% of milk fatty acids) was based on milk DHA levels achieved in women consuming the amount of DHA recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for pregnant and lactating women (at least 200 mg DHA/day). Another (∼1.0%) was based on biomarker studies of populations with differing lifelong intakes of fish. Populations or research cohorts with milk DHA levels of 1.0% are associated with intakes that allow both the mother and infant to maintain relatively high DHA levels throughout lactation. Lower milk DHA levels may signal suboptimal maternal stores and possibly suboptimal infant intakes. Based on the current data, a reasonable milk DHA target appears to be approximately 0.3%, which is about the worldwide average. Although this may not be the 'optimal' level (which remains to be defined), it is clearly an improvement over the currently low milk DHA levels (∼0.2%) seen in many Western populations.