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Dietary Lipid Intake Influences the Alpha-tocopherol Levels in Human Milk
Amanda M B da Mata1, Ana G C L da Silva1, Jeane F P Medeiros1
1Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal.
Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|May 23, 2020
Summary
Maternal intake of lipids and fatty acids positively influences alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) levels in human milk. These findings highlight the importance of dietary fat for vitamin E bioavailability in breast milk.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Human Lactation
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Dietary lipid intake is known to affect serum alpha-tocopherol levels.
- The impact of maternal lipid and fatty acid intake on human milk alpha-tocopherol concentration remains largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between maternal dietary intake of vitamin E, lipids, and fatty acids and the concentration of alpha-tocopherol in human milk.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal observational study involving 143 lactating women at 7, 30, and 90 days postpartum.
- Dietary intake assessed via 24-hour recall; human milk samples analyzed for alpha-tocopherol using high-performance liquid chromatography on day 90.
- Prevalence of inadequate vitamin E intake determined against the Estimated Average Requirement (16 mg/day).
Main Results:
- Maternal vitamin E intake was positively associated with lipid and fatty acid intake (r=0.237, P=0.004).
- All participants exhibited inadequate vitamin E intake.
- Human milk alpha-tocopherol concentration (mean 7.11 μmol/L) correlated with lipid (r=0.201, P=0.042) and polyunsaturated fatty acid intake (r=0.235, P=0.017).
- Higher polyunsaturated fatty acid intake was linked to elevated milk vitamin E levels.
Conclusions:
- Human milk alpha-tocopherol concentration is associated with maternal dietary lipid and fatty acid intake.
- Fat in the maternal diet enhances the bioavailability of vitamin E in breast milk.
- Findings suggest strategies to improve maternal diet can increase vitamin E content in human milk, potentially preventing deficiency in infants.
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