Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 1, 2026

Measuring Oral Fatty Acid Thresholds, Fat Perception, Fatty Food Liking, and Papillae Density in Humans
Published on: June 4, 2014
Trans fatty acids in human milk lipids: influence of maternal diet and weight loss
Geometric and positional isomers of octadecanoic acid in milk expressed during the first 9 weeks of lactation were determined for mothers delivering prematurely (PT) and at term (FT). Total C18:1 concentration was lower in PT than FT milk. C18:1 trans (elaidic acid) content was higher in PT and FT colostrum compared with subsequent milk samples. No relationship was observed between C18:1 trans level in milk and oleic acid, linoleic acid, total fatty acid levels, or volume of milk expressed. While gestational age and lactational stage appeared to affect the trans fatty acid pattern, the overriding influence was rate of maternal postpartum weight loss. Effect of weight loss on milk trans fatty acid levels was independent of maternal diet. Trans fatty acid content of milk as a function of recent maternal fat intake was also demonstrated. This study indicates that infants receiving human milk ingest levels of trans fatty acids reflecting short and long term maternal diet.
Geometric and positional isomers of octadecanoic acid in milk expressed during the first 9 weeks of lactation were determined for mothers delivering prematurely (PT) and at term (FT). Total C18:1 concentration was lower in PT than FT milk. C18:1 trans (elaidic acid) content was higher in PT and FT colostrum compared with subsequent milk samples. No relationship was observed between C18:1 trans level in milk and oleic acid, linoleic acid, total fatty acid levels, or volume of milk expressed. While gestational age and lactational stage appeared to affect the trans fatty acid pattern, the overriding influence was rate of maternal postpartum weight loss. Effect of weight loss on milk trans fatty acid levels was independent of maternal diet. Trans fatty acid content of milk as a function of recent maternal fat intake was also demonstrated. This study indicates that infants receiving human milk ingest levels of trans fatty acids reflecting short and long term maternal diet.
Related Concept Videos
Overview of Fatty Acid Metabolism
Fatty acids are catabolized in a process called beta-oxidation, which takes place in the matrix of the mitochondria and converts their fatty acid chains into two-carbon units of acetyl groups. The acetyl...
Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin, delayed...
Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements
Overview of Lipid Metabolism
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
Considering cholesterol and...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...

