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Secretory patterns of biotin in human milk
D M Mock1, N I Mock, J A Dankle
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City.
The Journal of Nutrition
|March 1, 1992
Summary
Biotin intake recommendations for infants rely on assumptions of uniform human milk biotin levels. This study found significant variations, necessitating frequent sampling from both breasts over 24 hours and postpartum to accurately assess infant biotin intake.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Infant Nutrition
Background:
- Current infant biotin intake recommendations assume uniform human milk biotin concentrations.
- This assumption is crucial for determining safe and adequate daily dietary intake for breastfed infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the variability of biotin concentration in human milk.
- To examine factors influencing biotin levels, including breast emptying, time of day, inter-breast differences, and postpartum changes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of biotin concentration in human milk samples.
- Sampling from individual subjects over 24-hour cycles.
- Monitoring biotin levels at different times postpartum.
- Comparing biotin concentrations between breasts.
Main Results:
- Breast emptying had minimal impact on biotin concentration.
- Significant diurnal variations in biotin concentration were observed in 3 of 5 subjects.
- Consistent inter-breast differences of approximately 16% were noted in 2 of 5 subjects.
- Biotin concentration increased postpartum in some individuals but varied erratically or remained low in others, not reaching a stable plateau.
Conclusions:
- Human milk biotin concentration is not uniform and varies significantly between individuals and over time.
- Accurate assessment of infant biotin intake requires comprehensive milk sampling strategies.
- Recommendations include frequent sampling from both breasts throughout the 24-hour cycle and across the postpartum period.