Predictors of Human Milk Fatty Acids and Associations with Infant Growth in a Norwegian Birth Cohort

Triglyceride-bound fatty acids constitute the majority of lipids in human milk and may affect infant growth. We describe the composition of fatty acids in human milk, identify predictors, and investigate associations between fatty acids and infant growth using data from the Norwegian Human Milk Study birth cohort. In a subset of participants (n = 789, 30% of cohort), oversampled for overweight and obesity, we analyzed milk concentrations of detectable fatty acids. We modelled percent composition of fatty acids in relation to maternal body mass index, pregnancy weight gain, parity, smoking, delivery mode, gestational age, fish intake, and cod liver oil intake. We assessed the relation between fatty acids and infant growth from 0 to 6 months. Of the factors tested, excess pregnancy weight gain was positively associated with monounsaturated fatty acids and inversely associated with stearic acid. Multiparity was negatively associated with monounsaturated fatty acids and n-3 fatty acids while positively associated with stearic acid. Gestational age was inversely associated with myristic acid. Medium-chain saturated fatty acids were inversely associated with infant growth, and mono-unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid, were associated with an increased odds of rapid growth. Notably, excessive maternal weight gain was associated with cis-vaccenic acid, which was further associated with a threefold increased risk of rapid infant growth (OR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.2–6.6), suggesting that monounsaturated fatty acids in milk may play a role in the intergenerational transmission of obesity.     

Understanding the Complexities of Eliminating Trans Fatty Acids: The Case of the Trans Fatty Acid Ban in Thailand

Trans fatty acids (TFAs) have no known health benefits and are linked to an increased risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). To eliminate TFAs from the food supply, the government of Thailand imposed a ban on partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) in 2018. This study was aimed at analyzing the government policies and actions to eliminate TFAs in Thailand, focusing on policy content, context, process, and actors. This single-case qualitative study used a documentary review and interviews with 20 key policy actors. The data analysis was guided by thematic analysis based on the policy triangle framework. The results reveal that policy actors—government organizations, academics, civil society organizations, and the food industry—have different roles, interests, and influences with regard to eliminating TFAs in Thailand. Both formal and informal communication among policy actors aided in the policymaking process and the actions that followed. Changing perceptions of TFAs, the low intake of PHOs in Thailand, hype around trans fats, and trade dynamics shaped the government’s decision to impose the ban. As a result, the ban was selected to avoid the technical components of TFA elimination. This study suggests that eliminating TFAs in Thailand could be further enhanced by strengthening government actions in terms of enforcement and creating consumer awareness.     

Effect of Dietary Fatty Acids on Human Lipoprotein Metabolism: A Comprehensive Update

Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Dietary fatty-acid composition regulates lipids and lipoprotein metabolism and may confer CVD benefit. This review updates understanding of the effect of dietary fatty-acids on human lipoprotein metabolism. In elderly participants with hyperlipidemia, high n-3 polyunsaturated fatty-acids (PUFA) consumption diminished hepatic triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL) secretion and enhanced TRL to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) conversion. n-3 PUFA also decreased TRL-apoB-48 concentration by decreasing TRL-apoB-48 secretion. High n-6 PUFA intake decreased very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations by up-regulating VLDL lipolysis and uptake. In a study of healthy subjects, the intake of saturated fatty-acids with increased palmitic acid at the sn-2 position was associated with decreased postprandial lipemia. Low medium-chain triglyceride may not appreciably alter TRL metabolism. Replacing carbohydrate with monounsaturated fatty-acids increased TRL catabolism. Trans-fatty-acid decreased LDL and enhanced high-density lipoprotein catabolism. Interactions between APOE genotype and n-3 PUFA in regulating lipid responses were also described. The major advances in understanding the effect of dietary fatty-acids on lipoprotein metabolism has centered on n-3 PUFA. This knowledge emphasizes the importance of regulating lipoprotein metabolism as a mode to improve plasma lipids and potentially CVD risk. Additional studies are required to better characterize the cardiometabolic effects of other dietary fatty-acids.     

Dietary Patterns of Breastfeeding Mothers and Human Milk Composition: Data from the Italian MEDIDIET Study

(1) Background: Several studies have reported associations between maternal diet in terms of single foods or nutrients and human milk compounds, while the overall role of maternal diet and related dietary patterns has rarely been investigated. (2) Methods: Between 2012 and 2014, we enrolled 300 healthy Italian mothers, who exclusively breastfed their infant. During a hospital visit at 6 weeks postpartum, a sample of freshly expressed foremilk was collected and information on maternal dietary habits in the postpartum period was obtained through an interviewer-administered food frequency questionnaire. We applied principal component factor analysis to selected nutrients in order to identify maternal dietary patterns, and assessed correlations in human milk macronutrients and fatty acids across levels of dietary patterns. (3) Results: Five dietary patterns were identified, named “Vitamins, minerals and fibre”, “Proteins and fatty acids with legs”, “Fatty acids with fins”, “Fatty acids with leaves”, “Starch and vegetable proteins”. These dietary patterns were correlated with some milk components, namely fatty acids, and in particular ω-3 and its subcomponents. (4) Conclusions: This study showed that overall maternal dietary habits during breastfeeding may influence human milk composition, suggesting the importance of adequate maternal nutrition during lactation not only for the mother herself but also to provide the infant with milk containing adequate amount and quality of nutrients for a balanced nutrition.     

Dietary Habits Moderate the Association Between Heart Failure and Cognitive Impairment

Cognitive impairment is common in heart failure patients. Poor dietary habits are associated with reduced neurocognitive function in other medical populations, including diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. This study examined whether dietary habits help moderate the relationship between heart failure severity and cognitive function. A total of 152 persons with heart failure completed neuropsychological testing and a fitness assessment. Dietary habits were assessed using the Starting the Conversation-Diet questionnaire, a nutrition measure suggested for use in primary care settings. Moderation analyses showed that better dietary habits attenuated the adverse impact of heart failure severity on frontal functioning (b = 1.28, p < 0.05). Follow-up analyses revealed consumption of foods high in sodium was associated with reduced cognitive function (p < 0.05). This study suggests dietary habits can moderate the association between heart failure and performance on tests of attention and executive function. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm and clarify the mechanisms for our findings.     

银离子固相萃取-气相色谱法检测食品中的反式脂肪酸

[目的]评价银离子固相萃取结合气相色谱（silver ion solid phase extraction-gas chromatography,Ag＋-SPE/GC）对市售加工食品中反式脂肪酸（trans fatty acids,TFA）的定性和定量检测效果。[方法]采用Ag＋-SPE小柱预分离牛肉火腿、豆奶粉和巧克力威化中的TFA甲酯,然后按食品中反式脂肪酸的检测标准（GB/T 22110—2008）进行气相色谱检测。[结果]该方法对食品中TFA甲酯异构体的回收率为71.0%~90.5%,相对标准偏差（relative standard deviation,RSD）均小于13%,该方法对TFA甲酯单标的回收率为84.1%~98.7%,RSD均小于5.6%;最低检出限为10mg/100g（按脂肪计）。牛肉火腿、豆奶粉和巧克力威化中TFA含量依次为37.26mg/100g、24.64mg/100g和162.85mg/100g;3种食品中t C18∶1含量较高,t C18∶2次之,t C18∶3较少;均未检测到t C16∶1。[结论]Ag＋-SPE/GC方法灵敏度较高、分离效果好、重现性好,可以避免顺式脂肪酸和饱和脂肪酸的干扰,适用于乳、肉、巧克力及其制品等食物中TFA含量的测定。     

Analysis of Fat Content with Special Emphasis on Trans Isomers in Frequently Consumed Food Products in Egypt: The First Steps in the Trans Fatty Acid Elimination Roadmap

Trans Fatty Acid (TFA) intake is a risk factor for coronary heart diseases and cancer. Egypt, considered among the highest TFA consumers in the world, lacks proper dietary analysis of TFAs. This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze TFAs in traditional and frequently consumed food products. A market survey was conducted to identify products and brands that are mostly consumed in major governorates in Egypt. Laboratory analysis allowed for the profiling of TFAs, and saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Products having more than 2 g of TFA/100 g of fat were considered to have an elevated TFA content. Commonly consumed food items (n = 208) in the Egyptian market were identified. On average, 34% of the products exceeded the TFA limit. Sambosk meat, a traditional meat item, had the highest TFA content of 5.2%, followed by foods fried with used oils. Oriental sweets had a TFA content three times higher than that of doughnuts. The fast-food group had the largest proportion of TFA-rich products, followed by the canned and frozen item groups and confectionaries. This study revealed that around one third of products in the Egyptian market have a high TFA content. This calls for urgent legislative action to regulate composition.     

Effect of Dietary Fatty Acids on MicroRNA Expression Related to Metabolic Disorders and Inflammation in Human and Animal Trials

Dietary fatty acids (DFAs) play key roles in different metabolic processes in humans and other mammals. DFAs have been considered beneficial for health, particularly polyunsaturated (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). Additionally, microRNAs (miRNAs) exert their function on DFA metabolism by modulating gene expression, and have drawn great attention for their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This review explicitly examined the effects of DFAs on miRNA expression associated with metabolic diseases, such as obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cardiovascular disease (CVD), as well as inflammation, published in the last ten years. DFAs have been shown to induce and repress miRNA expression associated with metabolic disease and inflammation in different cell types and organisms, both in vivo and in vitro, depending on varying combinations of DFAs, doses, and the duration of treatment. However, studies are limited and heterogeneous in methodology. Additionally, recent studies demonstrated that high fat ketogenic diets, many enriched with saturated fats, do not increase serum saturated fat content in humans, and are not associated with increased inflammation. Thus, these findings shed light on the complexity of novel treatment and DFA interventions for metabolic disease and to maintain health. Further studies are needed to advance molecular therapeutic approaches, including miRNA-based strategies in human health and disease.     

Association between Adherence to the Healthy Food Pyramid and Breast Milk Fatty Acids in the First Month of Lactation

In lactating women, breast milk (BM) fatty acids may come from the diet or stored adipose tissue. Our objective was to evaluate the influence of the adherence to the healthy food pyramid (HFP), the dietary pattern in the Mediterranean region, and the maternal body composition on the BM fatty acids pattern. Fifty breastfeeding women answered a socioeconomic survey and the adherence to the HFP questionnaire (AP-Q). In addition, they provided a BM sample at 7 ± 1, 14 ± 1, and 28 ± 1 days postpartum. The body’s composition was analyzed at days 7 and 28 by bioimpedance. The BM fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy. We found a negative association between the consumption of olive oil and the BM palmitic acid levels (β = −3.19 ± 1.40; p = 0.030), and the intake of cereals and legumes was positively associated with the BM saturated fatty acids (β = 11.48 ± 3.87; p = 0.005). The intake of proteins and vegetables was positively associated with the omega-3 fatty acids and negatively with the omega-6:omega-3 ratio in BM. A negative association between the maternal age (β = −0.43 ± 0.11; p = 0.001) and the α-linolenic acid (ALA) levels was observed, being overall AP-Q positively associated with the ALA levels (β = 0.39 ± 0.15; p = 0.016). Physical activity reduced both the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in BM. Diet had a larger influence than the maternal body’s composition on BM fatty acids during the first month of lactation, demonstrating a better adherence to the HFP and positively impacting on the omega-3 content in BM, a fact that is modulated by one’s maternal age.     

Endocrine-Disrupting Organochlorine Pesticides in Human Breast Milk: Changes during Lactation

The aim of the present study was to assess infant safety associated with the occurrence of endocrine-disrupting organochlorine pesticides (OCP) in breast milk. Moreover, the association between pregnant mothers’ dietary habits and these compounds levels in breast milk was investigated. Breast milk was collected at various stages of lactation. The samples were analyzed by the GC-MS method. The OCP concentrations ranged from < limit of detection (LOD) to 6.81 ng/g lipids. The highest OCP concentrations in breast milk occurred primarily within the first month of lactation, and decreased over the lactation period. It was found that the maternal consumption of certain food products—in particular pork, beef, poultry, eggs, and dairy products—could have affected the content of 1,1’-(2,2,2-Trichloroethane-1,1-diyl)bis(4-chlorobenzene), called DDT and its metabolites in the breast milk. The levels of beta-endosulfan were positively correlated with fish and poultry consumption. The redundancy analysis indicated that the diets of the pregnant women had an important impact on pesticide residues in the breast milk. There is a potential possibility of lowering the content of organochlorine compounds in breast milk by adhering to nutritional recommendations, e.g., avoiding the excessive consumption of fish and other raw food materials of unknown origin.     

Intestinal Microbiota-Derived Short Chain Fatty Acids in Host Health and Disease

Intestinal microbiota has its role as an important component of human physiology. It produces metabolites that module key functions to establish a symbiotic crosstalk with their host. Among them, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), produced by intestinal bacteria during the fermentation of partially and non-digestible polysaccharides, play key roles in regulating colon physiology and changing intestinal environment. Recent research has found that SCFAs not only influence the signal transduction pathway in the gut, but they also reach tissues and organs outside of the gut, through their circulation in the blood. Growing evidence highlights the importance of SCFAs level in influencing health maintenance and disease development. SCFAs are probably involved in the management of host health in a complicated (positive or negative) way. Here, we review the current understanding of SCFAs effects on host physiology and discuss the potential prevention and therapeutics of SCFAs in a variety of disorders. It provides a systematic theoretical basis for the study of mechanisms and precise intake level of SCFAs to promote human health.     

Indexing of Fatty Acids in Poultry Meat for Its Characterization in Healthy Human Nutrition: A Comprehensive Application of the Scientific Literature and New Proposals

Chicken meat is becoming the most consumed in the world for both economic and nutritional reasons; regarding the latter, the lipid profile may play positive or negative roles in the prevention and treatment of diseases. In this study, we define the state of the art of lipid-based nutritional indexes and used the lipid content and fatty acid profile (both qualitative and quantitative) of breast meat of two poultry genotypes with different growth rates and meat traits. Further, we summarize and review the definitions, implications, and applications of nutritional indexes used in recent years and others of our own design to provide a useful tool to researchers working in the field of meat quality (not only in poultry) to select the most appropriate index for their own scientific purposes. All indexes show advantages and disadvantages; hence, a rational choice should be applied to consider the nutritional effect of meat on human health and for a possible assessment of the most suitable rearing systems (genotype, feeding, farming system or postmortem handling).     

Composition of Dietary Fatty Acids and Health Risks in Japanese Youths

In the overall composition of dietary fatty acids (FAs), the quantity of each FA is interrelated with that of others. We examined the associations between dietary FA composition and cardiometabolic risk in Japanese youths. Risk factors (anthropometric characteristics, serum lipid and liver enzyme levels, and blood pressure) were measured in 5485 junior-high-school students. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. The mean saturated FA (SFA), monounsaturated FA (MUFA), omega-6 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs), and omega-3 PUFAs intake were 9.6%E, 10.3%E, 6.3%E, and 1.1%E, respectively. In compositional regression analysis controlled for confounders, a high intake of omega-6 PUFAs relative to others was associated with low low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol levels (LDL-C; p = 0.003), and relative SFA intake was associated with high levels of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (p = 0.019). Relative omega-3 PUFAs intake was associated with low blood pressure (p = 0.005–0.034) but had unfavorable effects on adiposity and alanine transaminase. Substitutional models showed similar results for omega-6 PUFAs on LDL-C, but MUFA had inconsistent effects on risk factors. The results from the compositional data analysis were consistent with previous studies and clinical practice/knowledge. Focusing on increasing omega-6 PUFAs in Japanese youths could have favorable consequences in the long term.     

Phase Angle Association with Dietary Habits and Metabolic Syndrome in Diabetic Hypertensive Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Phase angle (PhA) levels are often lower than normal because both disease-specific parameters and disease-related inflammatory status, metabolic syndrome (MetS) included, can affect PhA. Therefore, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare body composition, metabolic profile and dietary patterns of participants with arterial hypertension (AH), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and MetS with regard to PhA values. A total of 208 participants were included, of whom 53.6% were males. For each participant, data about body composition and anthropometric parameters, clinical and laboratory parameters, as well as food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and Mediterranean Diet Serving Score (MDSS) were obtained. MC-780 Multi Frequency Segmental Body Mass Analyzer (Tanita) was used to assess body composition. Furthermore, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. The results showed that 75 (36.06%) participants had low PhA values and 133 (63.94%) had high PhA values. Participants with higher PhA values had significantly higher body fat percentage (p = 0.04), fat-free mass (kg; p < 0.001), muscle mass (kg; p < 0.001), skeletal muscle mass (% and kg; p < 0.001), sarcopenic index (SMI; p < 0.001) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC; p = 0.04), as well as lower fat mass percentage (p = 0.04). Regarding food frequency consumption, significantly higher intakes of red meat (p = 0.003), poultry (p = 0.02) and fast food (p = 0.003) were noticed in participants with higher PhA values. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MeDi) was exceptionally low in both groups of participants, with significantly higher fish intake noticed in participants with high PhA (p = 0.03). In conclusion, our results showed that body composition could be the indicator of PhA in MetS as well as overall low adherence to the MeDi principles. These findings highlight the importance of adequate nutritional strategies and novel approaches to maintaining optimal body composition and adopting proper eating habits within the framework of one’s disease.     

The Mean of Milk: A Review of Human Milk Oligosaccharide Concentrations throughout Lactation

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are non-digestible and structurally diverse complex carbohydrates that are highly abundant in human milk. To date, more than 200 different HMO structures have been identified. Their concentrations in human milk vary according to various factors such as lactation period, mother’s genetic secretor status, and length of gestation (term or preterm). The objective of this review is to assess and rank HMO concentrations from healthy mothers throughout lactation at a global level. To this aim, published data from pooled (secretor and non-secretor) human milk samples were used. When samples were reported as secretor or non-secretor, means were converted to a pooled level, using the reported mean of approximately 80/20% secretor/non-secretor frequency in the global population. This approach provides an estimate of HMO concentrations in the milk of an average, healthy mother independent of secretor status. Mean concentrations of HMOs were extracted and categorized by pre-defined lactation periods of colostrum (0–5 days), transitional milk (6–14 days), mature milk (15–90 days), and late milk (>90 days). Further categorizations were made by gestational length at birth, mother’s ethnicity, and analytical methodology. Data were excluded if they were from preterm milk, unknown sample size and mothers with any known disease status. A total of 57 peer-reviewed articles reporting individual HMO concentrations published between 1996 and 2020 were included in the review. Pooled HMO means reported from 31 countries were analyzed. In addition to individual HMO concentrations, 12 articles reporting total HMO concentrations were also analyzed as a basis for relative HMO abundance. Total HMOs were found as 17.7 g/L in colostrum, 13.3 g/L in transitional milk, and 11.3 g/L in mature milk. The results show that HMO concentrations differ largely for each individual HMO and vary with lactation stages. For instance, while 2′-FL significantly decreased from colostrum (3.18 g/L ± 0.9) to late milk (1.64 g/L ± 0.67), 3-FL showed a significant increase from colostrum (0.37 g/L ± 0.1) to late milk (0.92 g/L ± 0.5). Although pooled human milk contains a diverse HMO profile with more than 200 structures identified, the top 10 individual HMOs make up over 70% of total HMO concentration. In mature pooled human milk, the top 15 HMOs in decreasing order of magnitude are 2′-FL, LNDFH-I (DFLNT), LNFP-I, LNFP-II, LNT, 3-FL, 6′-SL, DSLNT, LNnT, DFL (LDFT), FDS-LNH, LNFP-III, 3′-SL, LST c, and TF-LNH.     

宁夏农村回、汉民膳食脂肪酸摄入状况的分析

<正>2002年中国居民营养与健康状况调查结果显示,居民膳食脂肪摄入量呈逐年上升趋势。膳食脂肪摄入过多,特别是膳食脂肪酸的种类、比例和数量对脂代谢异常、肥胖、糖尿病、心血管病的发生有重要影响。本研究利用食物频率问卷(FFQ)调查方法,探讨了宁夏世居农村回、汉民膳食脂肪酸的摄入水平及其食物来源,为宁夏农村代谢性疾病的防治提供依据。