Abstract
Because docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is critical for the development of the nervous
system, especially during the first year of life, the content of DHA in human milk
is important for the well-being of exclusively breastfed infants. The aim of this
study was to determine the fatty acid composition, including DHA, of the breast milk
fat and serum phospholipids of women in New Mexico, and to correlate these data with
dietary fatty acid content. Samples of blood and breast milk, 3-day diet records,
and information on dietary supplement use were obtained from 29 women. Eligible subjects
were nonsmokers, aged 18 to 40 years, lactating for 1 to 6 months, and not pregnant,
taking immunosuppressive drugs, or diagnosed with diabetes. The mean fat content of
the breast milk was 3.37±2.34 g/dL. The percentage of DHA in the milk fat was very
low (0.11%) relative to international norms (0.2% to 0.4%) and could be explained
by the women's low intake of DHA (33 to 58 mg/day). These data can be explained by
the fact that the subjects were not taking DHA supplements or consuming foods that
are good sources of DHA. Correlations were found between the percentages of DHA in
the serum phospholipids and milk fat. The findings underscore the need for educating
lactating women about food sources of DHA. Educational opportunities could occur in
conjunction with other education postdelivery or during postnatal clinic visits.
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Biography
R. H. Glew is a professor and D. J. VanderJagt is a research associate professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and R. S. Wold is nutrition research manager, General Clinical Research Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
Biography
J. H. Herbein is a professor, and W. A. Wark is a laboratory specialist, Department of Dairy Science, Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University, Blacksburg
Biography
M. A. Martinez is a member of the faculty, Department of Nutrition, Central New Mexico Community College, Albuquerque; at the time of the study, she was a senior research nutritionist, General Clinical Research Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
March 14,
2008
Identification
Copyright
© 2008 American Dietetic Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
