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[Fatty acid composition of human milk]
Anales Espanoles De Pediatria
|April 1, 1982
Summary
Human milk is rich in essential fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, crucial for infant development. Colostrum has more long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids than mature milk.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Human Lactation Studies
Context:
- Human milk composition varies throughout lactation.
- Essential fatty acids are vital for infant neurovascular development.
Purpose:
- To analyze the fatty acid profile of human milk across three lactation stages: colostrum, transient, and mature milk.
- To quantify levels of essential fatty acids and their derivatives.
Summary:
- Colostrum exhibits lower short/medium-chain saturated fatty acids and higher long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to mature milk.
- Human milk contains remarkably high levels of linoleic acid (14.6-16.4%), exceeding those reported internationally.
- Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from essential fatty acids constitute 5-6% of total fatty acids.
Impact:
- Human milk is confirmed as an excellent source of essential fatty acids and polyenoic derivatives.
- These fatty acids are critical for the development of infant nervous and vascular systems in early life.