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Fatty acid composition in preterm and term breast milk
Ana Claudia Berenhauser1, Ana Cristina Pinheiro do Prado, Roberta Claro da Silva
1Santa Catarina Federal University, Florianópolis, Brazil.
International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition
|October 26, 2011
Summary
Mothers milk composition differs more between colostrum and mature milk than between preterm and at-term births. Fatty acid (FA) analysis revealed key differences in specific FAs like rumenic acid.
Area of Science:
- Human Nutrition
- Biochemistry
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Human milk is crucial for infant nutrition, with composition varying based on milk maturity and infant gestational age.
- Fatty acids (FAs) are vital components of human milk, influencing infant development.
- Understanding variations in FA profiles is essential for optimizing infant nutrition, especially for preterm infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine and compare the fatty acid (FA) composition of colostrum and mature milk.
- To analyze milk samples from mothers of preterm and at-term newborns.
- To identify differences in FA profiles related to milk maturity and gestational age of the infant.
Main Methods:
- Gas chromatography was used to analyze the fatty acid composition of milk samples.
- Samples included colostrum and mature milk from mothers of preterm and at-term infants.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare FA content between groups.
Main Results:
- Low levels of Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were observed in all milk types.
- Elaidic acid was significantly higher in mature milk from mothers of at-term infants.
- Rumenic acid (conjugated linoleic acid) was higher in at-term colostrum and increased with milk maturity in the preterm group.
Conclusions:
- The primary differences in FA composition were observed between colostrum and mature milk, rather than between milk from mothers of preterm versus at-term infants.
- Milk maturity significantly impacts FA profiles.
- Specific FA variations highlight the need for tailored nutritional considerations in infant feeding.
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