Supplementation with milk enriched with complex lipids during pregnancy: A double-blind randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biochemistry
• Obstetrics

Background:

• Gangliosides are vital sphingolipids in vertebrate cell membranes, abundant in the brain.
• They play critical roles in signal transduction, neurodevelopment, and cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of maternal consumption of ganglioside-enriched milk on serum ganglioside levels and pregnancy outcomes.
• To compare enriched milk, standard milk, and no supplementation during pregnancy.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, parallel randomized controlled trial involving 1500 pregnant women.
• Participants received standard milk, complex milk lipid-enhanced (CML-E) milk, or no milk supplementation.
• Maternal serum ganglioside levels were measured in a subsample.

Main Results:

• CML-E milk showed a marginal increase in maternal serum gangliosides compared to standard milk (p=0.034).
• CML-E milk consumption was associated with a lower incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (RR 0.80).
• No significant effects on cord blood gangliosides or other maternal/newborn health indicators were observed.

Conclusions:

• Maternal supplementation with milk fat globule membrane (ganglioside source) is safe during pregnancy.
• It did not elevate serum gangliosides compared to non-supplemented controls.
• A potential benefit in reducing gestational diabetes risk warrants further investigation.