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Physiologic changes in serotonin concentrations in breast milk during lactation
Tomoji Maeda1, Aki Shioyama2, Tomohiko Tairabune2
1Department of Pharmacology, Nihon Pharmaceutical University, Saitama, Japan.
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)
|September 18, 2020
Summary
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) levels in breast milk increase with lactation duration, particularly by 3 months postpartum. Concentrations did not significantly differ before or after nursing in primiparous or multiparous mothers.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Lactation Biology
- Pediatric Nutrition
Background:
- Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) is crucial for milk volume regulation in mammary glands.
- 5-HT in breast milk may influence infant development and growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine how 5-HT concentration in breast milk changes with lactation duration.
- To determine if 5-HT levels vary before and after nursing sessions.
Main Methods:
- Studied healthy Japanese women (primiparous and multiparous) after natural or Cesarean delivery.
- Measured 5-HT concentrations in breast milk at different time points: colostrum, 1 month, and 3 months postpartum, and before/after nursing.
Main Results:
- Mean 5-HT concentration was higher in multiparous mothers' colostrum than in primiparous mothers'.
- 5-HT levels significantly increased with lactation duration in primiparous women, peaking at 3 months postpartum.
- No significant differences in 5-HT concentrations were observed before or after nursing in either group.
Conclusions:
- Breast milk 5-HT concentration increases over time during lactation.
- Findings may inform the role of 5-HT in breast milk for infant development and growth.
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