Fatty acid composition of human milk and milk-based formulas in Hungary

Fatty acid composition of breast milk from 250 Hungarian women being 1, 3 and 6 months post partum was studied. It was shown that the fatty acid composition of mature breast milk does not vary greatly with the length of lactation. Data from women with different education levels and places of residence were found similar, suggesting similarities in the dietary habits of Hungarian women. Fatty acid levels in human milk did not show significant seasonal variation. The content of linoleic acid (expressed as g/l and percent of total energy) was calculated in relation to the length of lactation. Fatty acid composition of Hungarian milk-based formulas (Robebi A, Robebi B and Linolac) was also studied and compared to the mean composition of milk from 250 mothers. The results indicated differences in the contents of most saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and confirmed the finding that even the most carefully adapted formulas cannot substitute human milk.