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Fatty acids profile in preterm Colostrum of Tunisian women. Association with selected maternal characteristics
S Fares1, M M Sethom1, M Feki1
1UR05/08-08, LR99ES11, Department of Biochemistry, Rabta Hospital, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 1007 Jebbari, Tunis, Tunisia.
Insights
Colostrum fatty acids (FA), including arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are vital for infant development. Maternal age and preeclampsia significantly alter AA and DHA levels in preterm colostrum.
Area of Science:
- Human Nutrition
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Fatty acids (FA), particularly arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are essential for infant health and development.
- Colostrum, the first milk produced, provides crucial nutrients to newborns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the fatty acid composition of colostrum in prematurely delivering Tunisian women.
- To investigate the influence of maternal age and preeclampsia on colostrum fatty acid profiles, specifically AA and DHA.
Main Methods:
- Gas chromatography was employed to determine the fatty acid composition of colostrum samples from 101 lactating Tunisian women.
- Statistical analyses, including multivariate analysis, were used to assess correlations between FA levels and maternal factors.
Main Results:
- Linoleic acid was the predominant polyunsaturated fatty acid. Colostrum AA and DHA levels were lower in women over 34 years old.
- Preeclampsia was associated with lower DHA and higher AA levels, resulting in an increased AA:DHA ratio.
- Colostrum DHA levels correlated positively with plasma DHA and negatively with maternal age and preeclampsia.
Conclusions:
- The preterm colostrum fatty acid profile in Tunisian women is similar to other populations.
- Maternal age and preeclampsia are significant factors that alter the levels of essential fatty acids like AA and DHA in preterm colostrum.
Abstract:
Fatty acids (FA), especially arachidonic (AA, 20:4ω6) and docosahexaenoic (DHA, 22:6ω3) acids are critical for the health and development of infants. Colostrum FA composition has been examined in 101 lactating Tunisian women delivering prematurely using gas chromatography. Among polyunsaturated FA, linoleic acid predominated whereas each of the other polyunsaturated FA accounted for 1% or less of total FA. Colostrum AA and DHA contents were lower in women aged above 34 years compared to those less than 34 years. Preeclampsia was associated with lower DHA (0.40±0.22 vs. 0.53±0.27; p=0.018), but higher AA (1.14±0.44 vs. 0.93±0.30; p<0.006) and AA:DHA ratio (4.31±4.04 vs. 2.29±2.79; p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, colostrum DHA correlated with plasma DHA (β, 0.417; p=0.002), maternal age (β, -0.290; p=0.028) and preeclampsia (β, -0.270; p=0.042). Preterm colostrum FA profile in Tunisian women is comparable to those of other populations. Colostrum AA and DHA levels are altered in aged and pre-eclamptic women.
