Related Experiment Videos
[Effect of lactation on the weight and body composition of wet nurses]
In order to assess the impact of lactation on the nutritional status and body composition of mothers, 134 women were followed up during a period of six months (95 were exclusively breast-feeding and 39 were bottle-feeding their babies). Their weight was measured at monthly intervals, and mid-arm circumference, skinfold thickness and food intake were determined at two and six months, respectively, as well as food intake by the 24-hour recall method. Both groups evidenced similar non significant and slight changes in weight and body composition. Only 10% of mothers showed weight losses above 4 kg; weight loss was significantly higher in overweight and obese women as compared to underweight and normal mothers. Both arm circumference and total fat (sum of skinfolds thickness) followed the same trend. Dietary intake revealed to be deficient in calories, protein, calcium, iron and vitamin A when compared to the FAO/WHO standards. Given the excellent growth curves of the children as well as the minimal changes observed in maternal nutrition and body composition, it may be assumed that the current recommended dietary allowances (FAO/WHO) are overestimated for a population of the type studied.
In order to assess the impact of lactation on the nutritional status and body composition of mothers, 134 women were followed up during a period of six months (95 were exclusively breast-feeding and 39 were bottle-feeding their babies). Their weight was measured at monthly intervals, and mid-arm circumference, skinfold thickness and food intake were determined at two and six months, respectively, as well as food intake by the 24-hour recall method. Both groups evidenced similar non significant and slight changes in weight and body composition. Only 10% of mothers showed weight losses above 4 kg; weight loss was significantly higher in overweight and obese women as compared to underweight and normal mothers. Both arm circumference and total fat (sum of skinfolds thickness) followed the same trend. Dietary intake revealed to be deficient in calories, protein, calcium, iron and vitamin A when compared to the FAO/WHO standards. Given the excellent growth curves of the children as well as the minimal changes observed in maternal nutrition and body composition, it may be assumed that the current recommended dietary allowances (FAO/WHO) are overestimated for a population of the type studied.