Objective: To investigate the lipid content and fatty acid (FA) composition, especially n 3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n 3 LCPUFAs) of mature breast-milk of Iraqi mothers and their relation to the socioeconomic status of the mothers. Design: A collection of mature breast-milk of mothers with three different socioeconomic status (lactation period 571 month). Setting: Mosul province (in the north of Iraq). Subjects: Mature breast-milk samples were obtained from a group of 20-to 35-year-old mothers with different socioeconomic status: high urban (HU, n ¼ 25), low urban (LU, n ¼ 15) and typical suburban (SU, n ¼ 25). Procedure: Mature-milk samples were collected from each lactating mother. The lipid components of each sample, namely triglycerides (TGs), cholesterol (C) and phospholipids (PLs) were determined enzymatically. After their separation and esterification, FAs were determined as FA methyl esters by capillary gas chromatography. Results: The percentages of n 3 LCPUFAs were 0.4870.025, 0.3770.029 and 0.3870.018% for HU, LU and SU mothers, respectively. The amount of TGs, the major component of milk lipid, was 5.6470.24, 5.2171.61 and 3.2170.92 g/100 ml for HU, SU and LU mothers, respectively. The milk-lipid content varied with the socioeconomic status. Conclusion: The socioeconomic status of lactating mothers affected the lipid content and FA composition, especially the level of n 3 LCPUFAs (the very important structural constituents of the retina, brain and other nervous tissues). Mature breast-milk for the studied groups was low in n 3 LCPUFAs compared with that of mothers from developed countries and that recommended by WHO for optimum infant nutrition. Sponsorship: Supported by grants from Department of Chemistry, University of Mosul. The analysis of FA methyl ester samples was performed at the National

Objective: To determine the lipid components of colostrum and the fatty-acid (FA) composition of the colostrum and serum of Iraqi mothers, whether their delivery be fullterm (FT) or preterm (PT). Design: A collection of colostrum and serum samples of FT and PT delivering Iraqi mothers. Setting: Mosul province (in the north of Iraq). Subjects: Colostrum and blood samples were obtained from FT and PT delivering mothers; their gestation periods were 39.2 and 32.7 weeks, respectively (age 20-40 y). Procedures: Colostrum and serum samples were collected from each lactating mother. The nursing period was 3-5 days. The lipid components of colostrum, namely triglycerides (TGs) and cholesterol (C), were determined enzymatically and the phospholipids (PLs) were determined by using a colorimetric method based on the formation of a phosphomolybdate complex. The FA composition of colostrum and serum was determined by capillary gas chromatography. Results: Compared to PT colostrum, FT colostrum exhibited a significant increase in lipid content, viz. TGs (P ¼ 0.022); a significant decrease in medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), viz. C12 and C14 (P ¼ 0.03 and 0.005, respectively); no significant differences in monounsaturated fatty acids and a significant increase in C20:5 n3 and C22:6 n3 (P ¼ 0.001 and 0.05, respectively) and a slight increase in the level of n3/n6. The FA composition of the mother serum was found to mimic that of their colostrum, except for the level of MCFAs which was higher in the colostrum. Conclusions: The lipid content, the percentage of C22:6 n3 (the most important FA) and the level of n3/n6 in PT colostrum were lower than those in FT colostrum. They may be affected by serum lipid and immaturity of the mammary gland. Generally, the level of n3/n6 for both groups (0.09 and 0.08) is lower than that recommended by WHO (0.1) for infants' optimum nutrition. The difference in the level of MCFAs between the mother serum and colostrum reflects their de novo synthesis in the mammary gland. Sponsorship: Supported by Grants from Department of Chemistry, College of Education, University of Mosul. The analysis of fatty acid-methyl ester samples was performed at the National

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Introduction: Using dietary supplements has gained interest amongst people who desire to enhance their body composition. However, there are scant published data regarding the use of nutritional supplements and gym users. This study is to assess the intake of nutritional and dietary supplements among gym members in Sulaymaniyah city, Iraqi Kurdistan. Methods: The results of this study are based on the responses of one hundred gym members (aged over 18 years) to a self-manage questionnaire. Results: Almost half of the sample reported taking nutritional supplements and hormones. Thirty percent of the participants were consuming different protein powders. Most dietary supplement users noticed some side effects. Supplement users should always consult their physicians and been under the supervision of professional trainers and medical practitioners. In this manner, dietary supplements should not cause any side effects such as hypertension, hepatic disturbance, kidney disorders, hepatic, kidney disturbance, and muscle pain. However, some people (gym participants) may experience allergies, upset stomach/abdominal pain, and frequent urination. Conclusion: The usage rate of fitness supplements is very high, and the users are not aware of the potential consequences or dangers of unsupervised practice or unprescribed products. Therefore, there is an immediate need to promote consumers’ awareness of this issue, and the latest scientific data must be provided to users and coaches concerning consuming supplements.