Effect of the stage of lactation in humans on carotenoid levels in milk, blood plasma and plasma lipoprotein fractions

Abstract

In mammals the composition of milk changes during early lactation, with a rapid decline of fat-soluble vitamins and a continuous increase in total lipids. The mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are not well understood, but might involve selective mechanisms related to mammary uptake or secretion into the milk. Since carotenoids are specifically distributed among the lipoprotein fractions in plasma, the simultaneous determination of carotenoids in plasma, lipoprotein fractions and milk might offer an opportunity to gain insight into this phenomenon. In 21 healthy mothers carotenoids in plasma and lipoprotein fractions were investigated at day 2 and 19 and milk on day 4 and 19 after delivery. Plasma levels of alpha-tocopherol and cholesterol as well as lutein, zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin were significantly lower later in lactation (day 19) than shortly after birth (P < 0.01). The stage of lactation had no effect on the distribution of carotenoids and alpha-tocopherol among the plasma lipoprotein fractions. In milk, triacylglycerol increased (P < 0.01). In contrast, levels of carotenoids, alpha-tocopherol and vitamin A were highest in colostrum and declined (P < 0.01). Because the magnitude of decrease was not the same in all carotenoids, the carotenoid pattern changed substantially. In colostrum the carotenoid pattern resembled those of plasma and the low-density lipoprotein fraction. In mature milk it was similar to the pattern found in the high density lipoprotein fraction. Based on these observations a selective mechanism might be responsible for the transfer of these components in milk involving different lipoprotein fractions at specific times of lactation.

Effect of vitamin supplementation on breast milk concentrations of retinol, carotenoids and tocopherols in HIV-infected Tanzanian women

“…Daily supplementation with MV (vitamins B, C and E) increased a-tocopherol concentrations in breast milk by approximately 20% while MV supplementation was associated with a B25% reduction in breast milk concentrations of g-tocopherol. In the placebo group, the concentrations of retinol, b-carotene, a-carotene and the tocopherols were comparable to those reported from studies in nonsupplemented, presumably HIV-uninfected women at similar times postpartum (Gossage et al, 2002;Canfield et al, 2003;Schweigert et al, 2004;Sakurai et al, 2005).…”

Effects of dietary retinoids and carotenoids on immune development

“…However, the plasma vitamin A concentrations for the formula-fed baby and the breast-fed baby are comparable (Ghebremeskel et al 1999). Breast milk contains the whole spectrum of carotenoids present in the human diet and serum (Khachik et al 1997;Canfield et al 2003;Schweigert et al 2004), while milk formulas contain no carotenoids, very low concentrations of carotenoids or a limited variety of carotenoids (Sommerburg et al 2000).…”

Avaliação dos níveis de retinol no colostro humano coletado no intervalo de 24 horas

“…1,2 The nutritional composition of colostrum is particularly distinct, being rich in liposoluble vitamins. 3 In addition to being influenced by the stage of lactation, the vitamin A contained in breastmilk may be altered by the fat content, as each feed progresses, and by factors specific to individual nursing mothers. [4][5][6][7][8][9] Despite the great variation in retinol levels in colostrum, some authors have suggested that it could be used as an indicator of vitamin A nutritional status, since analyzing the nutrient in milk is non-invasive and access is easier.…”