Docosahexaenoic Acid in Mature Breast Milk of Low-income Mothers. Issue 5 (May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Visentin, Silvana; Malpeli, Agustina; Fasano, Victoria; Falivene, Mariana; Malizia, Betiana E.; González, Horacio F.
• Is Part Of: Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition. Volume 68:Issue 5(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-05
• Subjects: fatty acids -- human milk -- polyunsaturated fatty acids; Children -- Nutrition -- Periodicals; Pediatric gastroenterology -- Periodicals; Infants -- Nutrition -- Periodicals; Nutrition disorders in children -- Periodicals; Child Nutrition -- Periodicals; Digestive System -- growth & development -- Periodicals; Gastrointestinal Diseases -- Periodicals; Infant Nutrition -- Periodicals; Nutrition Disorders -- Periodicals; Child; 618.923
• DOI: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000002284
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0277-2116

Abstract

Abstract : ABSTRACT: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is among the main components of synaptosomal membranes and myelin sheaths. Because DHA is essential for child neurodevelopment, breast milk DHA levels should be improved by optimizing maternal nutrition. We determined DHA percentage levels in breast milk of low-income mothers receiving care at the public healthcare sector. We performed a descriptive, cross-sectional study in breast milk samples from 39 exclusively breast-feeding adult mothers with normal fetal and neonatal history. Samples were collected 90 ± 7 days after delivery. Breast milk fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography. The cut-off value of DHA was 0.3% of total fatty acids in milk according to recommendations. Median DHA in milk was 0.14% (0.12–0.21). Breast milk DHA levels were lower than the minimum recommended in 92% of samples. The analysis of breast milk samples from low-income exclusively breast-feeding mothers showed that they did not reach the minimum recommended DHA percentage.