Association between Breast Milk Mineral Content and Maternal Adherence to Healthy Dietary Patterns in Spain: A Transversal Study

Abstract

The composition of breast milk is influenced by many factors, some of which dependent on the mother and others on the child. Changes in lactation and other factors depending on the mother’s physiology and anthropometric characteristics, as well as her nutritional status and diet, are of key importance. Breast milk minerals have been extensively studied with highly uneven results. In this work, a comparison will made with data across the world. To understand the factors that might explain the disparity, several minerals (Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Se and I) have been analyzed using ICP-MS in a set of human milk samples (n = 75). The samples had an identical geographical origin (Galicia, in northwestern Spain) but different lactation circumstances, including maternal anthropometric data, lactating time, newborn sex and maternal adherence to healthy dietary patterns (Mediterranean Diet, MD, or Atlantic Diet, AD). The required concentrations of essential elements reported in the literature are similar to those found in these Spanish women. A univariate approach revealed that factors such as lactating time, body mass index (BMI) and newborn sex have a significant influence in breastmilk mineral content. According to multivariate linear regression analysis, minerals in milk are particularly associated with lactating time, but also with newborn sex, maternal BMI, age and diet pattern in some cases. More precisely, these results suggest that the iron and selenium concentrations in the milk of Galician donors may be positively influenced by maternal adherence to AD and MD, respectively.

Bacterial Diversity of Breast Milk in Healthy Spanish Women: Evolution from Birth to Five Years Postpartum

“…For example, colostrum has a different concentration of macronutrients, micronutrients and bioactive components than that found in milk at one month of lactation, when milk is considered to be mature in terms of composition [ 55 ]. However, breast milk is not a static fluid, and it continues to evolve after this period, as may its bacterial communities [ 5 , 6 ]. In this sense, some studies have shown conflicting results regarding bacteria levels comparing colostrum with other moments of lactation [ 56 , 57 ].…”

“…Breastfeeding grants protection against diarrhoea, necrotising enterocolitis, respiratory infections, and atopic dermatitis, and decreases the risk of non-communicable diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, overweight, and obesity, and it is closely related to low rates of infant mortality [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. This extraordinary maternal fluid contains a wide range of essential nutrients and different bioactive components such as proteins, oligosaccharides, minerals, lipids, vitamins, immune factors, microRNAs, and hormones, which altogether explain its important health benefits for the infant [ 4 , 5 , 6 ].…”

“…However, a clear relationship between fatty acids and breast milk microbiota has not been stablished yet [ 22 ]. Similarly, minerals present in human milk are not static and evolve during lactation and in response to diet [ 6 ]. These are essential elements for microbial growth; however, no studies have been published so far relating mineral levels and breast milk microbiota.…”

Salt and Sugar: Two Enemies of Healthy Blood Pressure in Children

“…Under 6 months of age, no indications are given regarding the intake of sodium, as breast milk is considered the gold standard for all nutrients and, therefore, also for sodium. The sodium content of breast milk differs according to the mother’s geographical origin and her weight status, suggesting an important role in maternal eating habits [ 17 ]. However, it must be emphasized that the sodium content in breast milk is low (17 mg/100 mL) [ 18 ] and, based on this amount, breastmilk substitutes have been created, whereas cow’s milk has a sodium content about three times that of human milk.…”

Relationships Between Dietary Patterns And Low Level Lead Exposure Among Children From Hunan Province of China

“…These studies have not evaluated dietary sources of Pb from combinations of diverse foods and nutrients because some dietary nutrients (e.g., iron) can interfere with the intestinal absorption of Pb(Shah- Kulkarni, et al 2016). Dietary pattern analysis has recently been developed to investigate comprehensive dietary links with health (Sanchez, et al 2020, Shi 2020) to better represent nutritional exposures and re ect daily eating habits.…”