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Infant acceptance of postexercise breast milk.
J P Wallace1, G Inbar, K Ernsthausen
1Adult Fitness Program, Indiana University, Bloomington 47405.
Pediatrics
|June 1, 1992
Summary
Infant acceptance of breast milk decreases after maternal exercise due to increased lactic acid. This study observed reduced infant acceptance of postexercise breast milk, linked to higher lactic acid levels affecting taste.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Human Lactation
- Infant Nutrition
Background:
- Breast milk composition can change post-exercise.
- Lactic acid accumulation is a known physiological response to maximal exertion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate infant acceptance of breast milk following maternal maximal exercise.
- To determine if changes in breast milk composition post-exercise affect infant acceptance.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-six lactating women underwent maximal treadmill exercise.
- Breast milk samples were collected pre-exercise and at 10 and 30 minutes post-exercise.
- Infant acceptance was assessed in a double-blind, placebo-controlled manner using pre- and post-exercise milk.
Main Results:
- Maximal exercise significantly increased lactic acid concentration in breast milk.
- Infants showed significantly decreased acceptance of postexercise breast milk compared to pre-exercise milk.
- Decreased acceptance correlated with elevated lactic acid levels in breast milk.
Conclusions:
- Maternal maximal exercise alters breast milk, increasing lactic acid content.
- Increased lactic acid in breast milk negatively impacts infant acceptance.
- Strategies may be needed to mitigate taste changes and improve milk acceptance post-exercise.