[Modifications of the superoxide anion level in breast milk by the intake of flavonoids and carotenoids]

To associate the intake of flavonoids and carotenoids with the breast milk level of superoxide anion, as an oxidative stress marker.

100 women from Cordoba (Argentina), who breastfed within the first postpartum 6 months, were studied during the 2013-2015 period, by evaluating their sanitary data, food intake and anion level in milk with multiple logistic regression.

The intake of flavonoids, provitamin A carotenoids and non-provitamin carotenoids was 72 (61) mg/d, 1813 (1 657) µg/d y 5427 (3 664) µg/d, respectively. The anion was associated with the intake of flavanols (OR=1.081; CI95 1.001-1.167) y flavanones (OR=1.025; CI95 1.001-1.048). This effect was not seen with other flavonoids and carotenoids.

Intake of flavanols and flavanones increases milk oxidation risk, which is relevant to develop diet recommendations.