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Beta endorphin concentrations in human milk.

V Zanardo1, S Nicolussi, G Carlo

  • 1Departments of Pediatrics and Physics and Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Padua University, Padua, Italy. vincenzo.zanardo@libero.it

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|September 25, 2001
PubMed
Summary
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Beta-endorphin (beta-EP) levels are higher in the colostrum and transitional milk of mothers who delivered vaginally compared to C-section. These elevated beta-EP concentrations may aid infant adaptation and development.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Neonatal Nutrition
  • Human Milk Composition

Background:

  • The source and regulation of beta-endorphin (beta-EP) in human colostrum remain unclear.
  • Previous studies have not investigated beta-EP availability during human milk maturation phases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if beta-EP concentrations vary over time in colostrum, transitional, and mature breast milk.
  • To evaluate the influence of delivery method on beta-EP levels in human milk.

Main Methods:

  • Recruited 42 mothers into three groups based on delivery method: term vaginal, preterm vaginal, and term cesarean section.
  • Collected breast milk samples on postpartum days 4, 10, and 30 to measure beta-EP concentrations using radioimmunoassay.
  • Analyzed data using Kruskal-Wallis and Student's t tests, with a significance level of P < 0.05.

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Main Results:

  • Colostrum beta-EP concentrations were significantly higher in mothers who delivered vaginally (term and preterm) compared to those who had a cesarean section (P < 0.01).
  • Preterm vaginal delivery group showed the highest beta-EP concentrations, persisting into the transitional milk phase (day 10).
  • No significant differences in mature milk beta-EP concentrations were observed among the groups on day 30. A significant decreasing trend in beta-EP over time was noted within all groups (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

  • Elevated beta-EP in colostrum and transitional milk from vaginally delivered mothers may support infant adaptation to birth stress.
  • These beta-EP levels might play a role in the development of biological functions in breastfed infants.
  • Delivery method significantly influences early lactation beta-EP concentrations, with vaginal delivery associated with higher levels.