Human Milk Composition and Dietary Intakes of Breastfeeding Women of Different Ethnicity from the Manawatu-Wanganui Region of New Zealand

Abstract

Human milk is nutrient rich, complex in its composition, and is key to a baby’s health through its role in nutrition, gastrointestinal tract and immune development. Seventy-eight mothers (19–42 years of age) of Asian, Māori, Pacific Island, or of European ethnicity living in Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand (NZ) completed the study. The women provided three breast milk samples over a one-week period (6–8 weeks postpartum), completed a three-day food diary and provided information regarding their pregnancy and lactation experiences. The breast milk samples were analyzed for protein, fat, fatty acid profile, ash, selected minerals (calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc), and carbohydrates. Breast milk nutrient profiles showed no significant differences between the mothers of different ethnicities in their macronutrient (protein, fat, carbohydrate, and moisture) content. The breast milk of Asian mothers contained significantly higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-3 (n-3) and omega-6 (n-6) fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and linoleic acids. Arachidonic acid was significantly lower in the breast milk of Māori and Pacific Island women. Dietary intakes of protein, total energy, saturated and polyunsaturated fat, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iodine, vitamin A equivalents, and folate differed between the ethnic groups, as well as the number of serves of dairy foods, chicken, and legumes. No strong correlations between dietary nutrients and breast milk components were found.

Temporal Changes of Phospholipids Fatty Acids and Cholesterol in Breast Milk and Relationship with Diet

“…However, some studies on diet and fatty acid composition of HM PLs had not shown uniform results. Butts et al . reported that there was no strong correlation between dietary and HM composition.…”

“…In particular, n‐6 PUFA was positive correlated with bean products intake, while negatively correlated with protein, fat, vegetable, fruit, and egg intake. Butts et al . found that HM of Asian mothers had higher levels of PUFA, n‐3 and n‐6 fatty acids, and 18:2n‐6, which was attributed to a decrease in their dairy supply and an increase in the amount of chicken.…”

Macronutrients, immunoglobulin A and total antioxidant capacity of human milk during prolonged lactation

“…The concentration of IgA was also affected by maternal nutritional status and the stage of lactogenesis (weaning and nonweaning) [29,30]. Furthermore, both genetic variation [8,31] and environmental factors such as ethnicity [32] and geographical region [33], respectively, have been shown to influence human milk composition, and these factors were uncontrollable and beyond the limitations of this study. Future research should include a prospective cohort study to reduce individual bias at each time point with careful adjustments for the potential effects.…”

Breast Feeding Remains a Strong Protection against Infant Infections.

“…Informed consent was taken from the mother and information regarding type of feeding and infections was obtained by verbal interview and was noted by the principal investigators. 6 Infants with congenital anomalies, twin deliveries and those attending day care centers were excluded. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Yusra Medical and Dental College and Yusra General Hospital.…”

“…5 It helps in maturation of immune system and prevents infections. 6 Breast feeding has an immediate protective effect against upper and lower respiratory tract infections, otitis media, diarrhea and urinary tract infection. 7 Multiple studies in developing countries show that the risk of infections especially respiratory and diarrheal infections is increased with shorter duration of breast feeding.…”