Supplementation with the omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid: influence on the lipid composition and fatty acid profile of human milk

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the impact of supplementing the diet of women during pregnancy and lactation with fish oil containing the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid, and its influence on the composition of human milk. METHODS: The sample comprised 60 women aged 18 to 38 years with appropriate dietary pattern, all of them healthy and nonsmokers. The intervention consisted of a daily supplementation with fish oil capsules that corresponded to a daily intake of 315mg of docosahexaenoic acid and 80mg of eicosapentaenoic acid during the third trimester of pregnancy and the first three months postpartum. The total fat content and fatty acid profile of their milk were determined by creamatocrit and gas chromatography. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis and the significance level was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the fat contents of the study (fish oil capsules) and control (capsules containing corn starch as filler) groups. However, the milk of women taking fish oil contained higher docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acid levels 30 and 60 days after delivery. These results demonstrate that high omega-3 intake can influence its concentration in human milk. CONCLUSIONS: Given the importance of docosahexaenoic acid in the neonatal period, it is appropriate for pregnant and breastfeeding women to supplement on long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which may be done by adding fish oil to the regular diet.

Influence of duration of gestation on fatty acid profiles of human milk

“…The higher proportion of LC-PUFA in pre-term milks is also suitable for the high requirements of premature babies for these FA, including AA and DHA, as they are involved in numerous basic life process affecting infant growth and nervous system development [26,34,66,67]. Therefore, MC-SFA and LC-PUFA levels probably were affected by gestational age of mothers, as previously reported by Bitman et al [15] and Molt o-Puigmart ı et al [27].…”

The effects of maternal omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on breast milk fatty acid composition

“…The EPA levels at 30 and 90 days were 0.109% and 0.107% in omega group and 0.084% and 0.050% in control group in the same study. 34 Smit et al investigated that DHA status of malnourished children was strongly dependent on the omega-3 fatty acid intake from breast milk. 35 In the present study, we also found an increase of DHA and EPA levels in colostrum and in mature milk samples from the supplemented mothers.…”

Are There Changes in the Fatty Acid Profile of Breast Milk with Supplementation of Omega-3 Sources? A Systematic Review

“…These fatty acids are part of the composition of the cell membranes and the nervous system, especially DHA, which is preferentially transported by the placenta to the fetus and provides important components to the phospholipid membrane. 1,2 The amount of fatty acids in human milk (HM) depends on maternal stocks, dietary intake and synthesis thereof in the mammary glands. 3 The concentration of DHA varies specifically, probably due to the woman's feeding habits, since its synthesis in the mammary gland is minimal.…”

“…3 The concentration of DHA varies specifically, probably due to the woman's feeding habits, since its synthesis in the mammary gland is minimal. 1,2,4 During gestation and lactation, this synthesis is limited by the fetus. For this reason, numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of the supplementation of this fatty acid on the composition of HM .…”

“…Although no statistical difference was found in the total lipid values between the studied groups, the milk of mothers supplemented with fish oil had higher concentrations of DHA and EPA, demonstrating that a higher consumption of omega-3 may influence its concentration in HM. 2 However, the results on the effects of omega-3 supplementation during gestation are still contradictory. 4 Due to the controversies between the studies, as well as to the importance of the theme for the health of the newborn, this systematic review aims to evaluate the studies that verified the effects of omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy and/or the puerperium on the composition of HM.…”