Fatty acid composition of human milk in atopic Danish mothers

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis has been related to a disturbed metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). OBJECTIVE: We tested whether the PUFA composition of breast milk differs significantly between mothers with atopic dermatitis, mothers with other types of atopy, and nonatopic mothers. We also investigated whether differences in diet can explain possible observed differences. DESIGN: Mothers with current or previous asthma (n = 396) were divided into 3 groups according to history of atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis. Breast-milk samples were collected from 314 women approximately 3 wk after delivery. The habitual diet of the women was assessed with food-frequency questionnaires in the 25th week of gestation (n = 207). Breast-milk samples and simultaneous dietary data from 14 nonatopic mothers were used for comparison. RESULTS: Compared with the milk of nonatopic mothers, that of atopic mothers had significantly higher concentrations of 22:5n-6 and lower concentrations of 20:5n-3; moreover, 20:4n-6/20:5n-3, 22:5n-6/22:6n-3, and long-chain n-3 PUFA/18:3n-3 were shifted toward n-6 PUFA and 18:3n-3 in nonatopic and atopic mothers, respectively. No differences in breast-milk PUFA composition were evident between the subject groups. The diets of the groups differed only slightly with respect to protein intake. However, the PUFA composition of the breast milk was associated with diet and time of milk sampling, and the above difference in milk PUFAs disappeared when those factors were taken into account. CONCLUSION: Our data do not support the possibility that the fatty acid composition of breast milk is affected by atopic dermatitis or atopy in general, because most differences in breast-milk PUFA composition appear to be explained by the diet.     

Fatty acid composition of human milk in Western Iran

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the fatty acid composition of mature human milk in Western Iran with special focus on trans fatty acids. DESIGN: Observational study. METHODS: Milk samples were collected from 52 lactating mothers aging 19-39 y, from Western Iran. Subjects were asked to complete a diet questionnaire. Milk fatty acids were measured as 2-nitrophenylhydrazide derivatives by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Saturated fatty acids were the main fraction of human milk (41.3%). Medium-chain fatty acids (C8:0-C14:0) constituted 24%, oleic acid (C18:1omega9) accounted for 30.9% and elaidic acid (C18:1T), the trans isomer of oleic acid, comprised 11.3% of the total milk fatty acids. Linoleic (C18:2omega6) and linolenic (C18:3omega3) acid contents were 13.8 and 1.1%, respectively. The level of the polyunsaturated fatty acids was 1.4% for arachidonic (C20:4omega6) and 0.2% for eicosapentaenoic (C20:5omega3) acid. CONCLUSIONS: The milk from Iranian lactating mothers, as compared to that from the American or European mothers, contained high levels of medium-chain and trans fatty acids. This difference may be attributed to the maternal diet with low animal protein and animal fat but with high carbohydrate and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils that carry large amounts of trans fatty acids. As the detrimental effects of trans fatty acids on blood lipids and cardiovascular diseases have been emphasized in the literature, a reduction of trans fatty acid content in the diet of Iranian mothers is suggested. SPONSORSHIP: Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences.     

Fatty acid composition of mature human milk in Germany

An improved gas-chromatographic method with high resolution, sensitivity, and precision was used for analyzing the fatty acid composition of human milk lipids. In 24-h collections of mature hindmilk of 15 German women, 42 different fatty acids could be separated and quantified. Among the saturated fatty acids (median sum 42.76%, wt/wt), six odd-chain fatty acids accounted for 1.16%. Cis monounsaturated acids represented 37.98%. Trans fatty acids, which may have untoward effects on the recipient infant, contributed 4.40% with seven isomers. The polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) fraction (13.82%) included 10 long-chain PUFAs (LCPs; 1.66%). The content of the physiologically important LCPs in milk lipids did not correlate with their parent fatty acids (ie, linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids) but there was a significant correlation between the sum of omega-3 and omega-6 LCPs suggesting interindividual differences in the capacity for secretion of milk-lipid LCPs between mothers.     

Fatty acid composition of colostrum and mature human milk in Hungary

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Because of the lack of up-to-date data on fatty acid composition of human milk in Hungary, the authors analysed fatty acid composition of colostrum (n = 18, one hind milk sample on day 5 after delivery) and mature milk (n = 15, pooled 24 h collections repeated twice with 2 weeks intervals at median duration of lactation of 4 months) samples with high-resolution capillary gas chromatography. RESULTS: Fat content and fatty acid compositions did not differ in 24 h pooled mature human milk samples obtained with 2 weeks intervals. Significantly lower values of linoleic acid [10.98 (4.81) vs. 14.70 (5.32), % w/w, median (range from the 1st to the 3rd quartile), colostrum vs. mature human milk, p < 0.001] and alpha-linolenic acid [0.22 (0.09) vs. 0.68 (0.21), p < 0.0001], and significantly higher values of arachidonic acid [0.70 (0.56) vs. 0.50 (0.12), p < 0.001] and docosahexaenoic acid [0.22 (0.15) vs. 0.18 (0.06), p < 0.05] were found in colostrum than in mature human milk. Significant and positive correlations were seen between linoleic and arachidonic (r = 0.71, p = 0.001) as well as between alpha-linolenic and docosahexaenoic (r = 0.59, p = 0.01) acid values in colostrum, but not in mature human milk. CONCLUSION: While mature human milk linoleic, arachidonic and alpha-linolenic acid values in this study were in the range usually reported in the literature, the contribution of docosahexaenoic acid to the fatty acid composition of human milk was considerably lower in Hungary than in several other populations.     

Fatty acid composition of human milk in mothers of preterm and full-term infants in the first three weeks of lactation

INTRODUCTION: It is a classical question of infant nutrition whether fatty acid composition of human milk differs in mothers of preterm as compared to those of full-term infants. AIMS AND METHODS: The authors analysed fatty acid composition of milk samples obtained five times during the first month of lactation from mothers of preterm (n = 8, gestational age: 28.0 [4.2] weeks, birthweight: 1235 [420] g, median [IQR]) and full-term (n = 10, gestational age: 38.5 [2.7] weeks, birthweight: 3375 [282] g) infants with high-resolution capillary gas-liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Maternal age, body mass index and eating habits of the mothers did not differ between the two groups. Neither did fat contents of human milk differ between the two groups. Values of linoleic (C18:2omega-6) and alpha-linolenic (C18:3omega-3) acid did not differ. Values of arachidonic acid (C20:4omega-6) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6omega-3) were significantly higher following preterm as compared to full-term delivery. Values of the intermediary metabolites g-linolenic acid (C18:3omega-6), dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (C20:3omega-6), octadecanotetraenoic acid (C18:4omega-3) and eicosatrienoic acid (C20:3omega-3) were also significantly higher in human milk samples of mothers of preterm as compared to those of full-term infants. CONCLUSION: Significantly higher contribution of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in breast milk of mothers giving birth to preterm as compared to full-term infants supports the concept, that preterm infants would benefit more from feeding their own mothers milk than from receiving donor milk.     

中国三地区人成熟母乳脂肪酸含量的研究

目的分析中国处于三个不同地理环境地区的母体成熟乳中脂肪酸含量的差异。方法选取江苏句容(河湖地区)、山东日照(沿海地区)和河北徐水(内陆地区)三地,每地区募集40～50名健康产妇,于产后第28天采集母乳,Folch法提取其中脂肪,气相色谱法分析其中31种脂肪酸构成及含量。结果句容,日照和徐水分别募集到47、50和46名受试者,各地成熟乳中饱和脂肪酸(SFA)、单不饱和脂肪酸(MUFA)、n-6多不饱和脂肪酸(n-6PUFA)和n-3多不饱和脂肪酸(n-3PUFA)的主要成份均分别为C16∶0、C18∶1 n-9cis、C18∶2 n-6 cis和C18∶3 n-3。三地区成熟乳中花生四烯酸(ARA)百分含量中位数分别为0.72%、0.63%和0.63%;二十二碳六烯酸(DHA)分别为0.41%、0.47%和0.24%。三地区总乳脂含量中位数分别为4.47、1.50和3.91g/100g母乳;其总脂肪酸含量中位数分别为3934、1319和3437mg/100g母乳,日照总乳脂含量和总脂肪酸含量显著低于另两地区。结论母体成熟乳中脂肪酸含量及构成存在显著地区差异性。     

Fatty acid composition of mature human milk of Egyptian and American women

Fatty acid composition of mature human milk of rural Egyptian and American women was determined by gas-liquid chromatography. Milk of Egyptian women contained significantly higher percentages of capric, lauric, myristic, linoleic and arachidonic acids, saturated fatty acids (SFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Conversely, milk of American women contained higher percentages of stearic and oleic acids, total unsaturated fatty acids, and monounsaturated fatty acids. The PUFA:SFA ratio in Egyptian samples was 0.54 +/- 0.18 compared to 0.47 +/- 0.22 in American samples. Increased percentages of medium-chain SFA in Egyptian milk suggested increased mammary gland lipid synthesis. Analysis of Egyptian diets indicated high-carbohydrate and low-fat intakes may have resulted in limited availability and incorporation of dietary fatty acids into milk triglycerides. Thus, increased percentages of medium-chain SFA observed in Egyptian milk may reflect mammary gland synthesis in an attempt to maintain lipid concentrations in milk.     

Fatty acid,amino acid and mineral composition of milk from Nguni and local crossbred cows in South Africa

This study was conducted to determine fatty acid, amino acid and mineral composition of milk from Nguni and crossbred cows in South Africa. Milk samples from 8 Nguni and 8 crossbred cows grazing on rangeland were collected once per lactation phase, i.e. early lactation (January), mid lactation (April) and late lactation (June) in 2009 for milk composition analyses. Nguni cows had higher (P < 0.05) protein content, methionine, threonine, tyrosine, glycine and proline levels and n-6:n-3 ratio, and lower (P < 0.05) milk yield, fat and total solids content, potassium levels and total mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) than crossbred cows. Phosphorus levels were higher (P < 0.05) in milk from Nguni cows in the early lactation compared to crossbreds. In the early and mimd lactation stages, milk from Nguni cows had higher (P < 0.05) essential amino acids (arginine, phenylalanine, histidine, isoleucine and leucine), calcium levels and polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids (PUFA/SFA) ratios compared to crossbreds. Milk from crossbred cows in the mid and late lactations had higher (P < 0.05) C12:0, C14:0, C16:0 and C18:0 levels than Nguni cows. It was concluded that milk composition of Nguni cows is more desirable for the calf and human consumption, especially in the early-to-mid lactation compared to that of crossbreds.     

Fatty acid composition of milk from genetically normotensive and hypertensive rats

To assess milk fatty acid composition in genetically normotensive (Wistar Kyoto, WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats, WKY and SH dams (n = 10/strain) were milked under halothane anesthesia on d 5, 13 and 21 postpartum. Milk samples of 0.5-1.0 mL were then analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography. Additional WKY and SH dams (n = 2/strain) were milked on d 5 and 21 postpartum for assessment of total milk fat. In both WKY and SH strains, the amount of 8:0 and 10:0 fatty acids increased from d 5 to 21 (p less than 0.001), whereas the quantity of 18:3(n-6), 20:3(n-9), 20:3(n-6), 22:4(n-6), 22:5(n-3) and 22:6(n-3) fatty acids declined over the same period (p less than 0.001). Milk from SH rats had higher levels of 10:0 and 20:4(n-6) fatty acids on all sampling days than did milk from WKY rats (p less than 0.001), and milk from SH rats had lower levels of 16:1(n-7), 18:1(n-9) and 18:2(n-6) fatty acids on d 13 and 21 (p less than 0.001). There were no differences in milk fat content between strains. These data suggest that genetically hypertensive rat pups obtain significantly greater amounts of 20:4(n-6) and significantly lower amounts of 18:2(n-6) fatty acids from maternal milk than do their normotensive counterparts.     

Fatty acid composition of breast milk from Nigerian and Japanese women.

The fatty acid composition of samples of breast milk obtained from well-nourished Nigerian and Japanese women was determined by gas chromatography. The cultural differences in dietary intake was reflected in the fatty acid composition of breast milk samples. The milk of Nigerian women contained a significantly higher percentage of saturated fatty acids (48.75%) than that of Japanese women (46.65%). Nigerian milks were also richer in arachidonic (20:4 n-6), eicosatrienoic (20:3 n-6), and docosatetraenoic (22:4 n-6) acids. Conversely, the milk of Japanese woman contained significantly higher percentages of monoun-saturates as palmitoleic, heptadecenoic, oleic, and polyunsaturates of n-3 series as alpha-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acid.     

Fatty acid patterns of breast milk of Egyptian mothers from the city and the village

The fatty acid pattern of 25 human milk collected from lactating Egyptian mothers living under rural and urban conditions are reported in the present work. The fatty acid pattern is quite similar among the two different groups, except for the absence of the essential linolenic fatty acid among those from the city. Tabulation and comparison with literature data were presented and the differences were discussed.     

Fatty acid composition of breast milk from three racial groups from Penang, Malaysia

The fatty acid composition of samples of breast milk obtained from 51 mothers (26 Malay, 15 Chinese, 10 Indian) residing in Penang, Malaysia was determined by gas chromatography. Despite living in close physical proximity the mothers from the three racial groups showed distinct cultural differences in dietary intake. These differences were reflected in differences in the fatty acid composition of breast milk samples. The milk of Chinese mothers was generally less saturated (41%) than that of Malay and Indian mothers (52 and 50% respectively). The milk of Chinese mothers was also richer in linoleic acid (17%) than that of Malay and Indian mothers (9% and 11% respectively). Overall the level of individual fatty acids fell within the range of values reported for Western mothers on well nourished diets and pointed to breast milk of high standard despite large variations in the diet of Malaysian mothers.     

Fatty acid composition in preterm and term breast milk

The aim of this study was to determine and compare the fatty acid (FA) composition of colostrum and mature milk produced by nursing mothers of preterm and at-term newborns, in Florianópolis, SC, Brazil. Low contents of Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (0.02%/colostrum and 0.01%/mature milk for preterm and term milk) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (colostrum group: 0.10%/preterm and 0.09%/term; mature milk: 0.05%/preterm and 0.03%/term) were determined. The comparison among the groups showed that the elaidic acid content was significantly higher (1.67%) in mature term milk. The content of rumenic acid (conjugated linoleic acid) was significantly higher in at-term colostrum compared with preterm colostrum. When considering the maturity of the milk, there was a significant increase in the percentage of this FA in the preterm group. The results show that, overall, the greatest differences observed were between the colostrums and mature milks for both groups and not between preterm and at-term mothers.     

Fatty acid composition in preterm and term breast milk

The aim of this study was to determine and compare the fatty acid (FA) composition of colostrum and mature milk produced by nursing mothers of preterm and at-term newborns, in Florianópolis, SC, Brazil. Low contents of Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (0.02%/colostrum and 0.01%/mature milk for preterm and term milk) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (colostrum group: 0.10%/preterm and 0.09%/term; mature milk: 0.05%/preterm and 0.03%/term) were determined. The comparison among the groups showed that the elaidic acid content was significantly higher (1.67%) in mature term milk. The content of rumenic acid (conjugated linoleic acid) was significantly higher in at-term colostrum compared with preterm colostrum. When considering the maturity of the milk, there was a significant increase in the percentage of this FA in the preterm group. The results show that, overall, the greatest differences observed were between the colostrums and mature milks for both groups and not between preterm and at-term mothers.     

Anti-gliadin antibodies in breast milk from celiac mothers on a gluten-free diet

Purpose

To analyze the presence of total IgA and anti-gliadin antibodies (AGA) in BM from CD mothers who follow a gluten-free diet (GFD) and from mothers on a normal gluten-containing diet (ND).

Methods

218 samples of mature milk were obtained at different months of lactation (1–6) from 83 mothers (2 or more samples per mother) from Italy (Naples), The Netherlands (Leiden) and Spain (Madrid, Valencia and Reus): 42 CD mothers on GFD for more than 2 years and 41 non-CD mothers on a ND. Whey samples were analyzed for AGA-IgA by an indirect homemade ELISA and for total IgA (g/L) by a commercial ELISA kit.

Results

AGA-IgA was detected in BM, both in mothers on a GFD and mothers on a ND. AGA-IgA levels in both groups of mothers, CD and non-CD, show the same trend towards decreasing slightly along the months of lactation (p = 0.91). A different trend is observed for total IgA levels, decreasing markedly in CD mothers from the first month of lactation onwards but remaining stable in non-CD mothers (p = 0.048). A statistically significant association was found between the means of total IgA and AGA-IgA (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

AGA-IgA is present in BM from mothers on a ND as well as in BM from mothers who had been on a GFD for years. This reflects the existence of a long-lasting immunological memory independent of the mother’s diet. If the presence of these antibodies has any role in promoting the acquisition of gluten tolerance in the infant, our study shows that children of CD mothers would be on equal conditions as children of non-CD mothers.

     

Fatty acid and sn-2 fatty acid composition in human milk from Granada (Spain) and in infant formulas

OBJECTIVE: To investigate differences in fatty acid and sn-2 fatty acid composition in colostrum, transitional and mature human milk, and in term infant formulas. SETTING: Departament de Nutrició i Bromatologia, University of Barcelona, Spain and University Hospital of Granada, Spain. SUBJECTS: One-hundred and twenty mothers and 11 available types of infant formulas for term infants. DESIGN: We analysed the fatty acid composition of colostrum (n=40), transitional milk (n=40), mature milk (n=40) and 11 infant formulas. We also analysed the fatty acid composition at sn-2 position in colostrum (n=12), transitional milk (n=12), mature milk (n=12), and the 11 infant formulas. RESULTS: Human milk in Spain had low saturated fatty acids, high monounsaturated fatty acids and high linolenic acid. Infant formulas and mature human milk had similar fatty acid composition. In mature milk, palmitic acid was preferentially esterified at the sn-2 position (86.25%), and oleic and linoleic acids were predominantly esterified at the sn-1,3 positions (12.22 and 22.27%, respectively, in the sn-2 position). In infant formulas, palmitic acid was preferentially esterified at the sn-1,3 positions and oleic and linoleic acids had higher percentages at the sn-2 position than they do in human milk. CONCLUSION: Fatty acid composition of human milk in Spain seems to reflect the Mediterranean dietary habits of mothers. Infant formulas resemble the fatty acid profile of human milk, but the distribution of fatty acids at the sn-2 position is markedly different.     

母乳脂肪酸含量分析及影响因素研究

目的了解福州地区母乳中脂肪酸（FA）含量,研究其与乳母产褥期生活方式、膳食结构的关系,以指导乳母合理膳食和健康的生活方式。方法采用描述性横断面调查,选取产后42d居住于福州地区≥1年的健康乳母进行＂乳母生活方式营养和健康状况调查＂,包括一般情况、产后30d膳食频率调查,并采集测定母乳中的FA含量。调查表与检测结果经核对、编码、赋值和EpiData数据双录入,用Excel软件、营养计算软件和SPSS 13.0软件进行统计分析评价。用非参数秩和检验（α=0.05）与Nemenyi多重比较（α=0.10）等统计方法分析FA与膳食结构、营养素摄入量的关系。结果完成问卷113份,采集母乳123份,调查完整且进行母乳脂肪酸分析的101份。母乳脂肪酸中饱和脂肪酸（SFA）含量为57.43%,单不饱和脂肪酸（MUFA）为27.75%,n-6系列多不饱和脂肪酸（n-6 PUFA）为14.43%,n-3 PUFA为0.74%,n-6PUFA/n-3PUFA为19.28,亚油酸/α-亚麻酸（LA/ALA）为26.24。平原和沿海者必需脂肪酸（EPA）高于山区（P1=0.08,P2=0.07）;研究生及以上学历乳母的LA/ALA比值高于高中及以下学历者（P=0.06）;专业人员及公务员的二十二碳六烯酸（DHA）高于待业在家者（P=0.06）;而纯母乳喂养者SFA含量较低（P=0.046）,MUFA较高（P=0.043）。结论母乳FA中LA/ALA比值较高,需增加亚麻籽油、苏籽油、大豆油和深海鱼类、贝壳类水生动物和海藻等富含n-3系列FA的食物摄入。同时母乳FA含量,特别是不饱和脂肪酸含量还受到地理环境、社会因素与喂养方式等因素的影响,值得进一步研究。