Human Milk Omega-3 Fatty Acid Composition Is Associated with Infant Temperament

Abstract

There is growing evidence that omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty-acids (PUFAs) are important for the brain development in childhood and are necessary for an optimal health in adults. However, there have been no studies examining how the n-3 PUFA composition of human milk influences infant behavior or temperament. To fill this knowledge gap, 52 breastfeeding mothers provided milk samples at 3 months postpartum and completed the Infant Behavior Questionnaire (IBQ-R), a widely used parent-report measure of infant temperament. Milk was assessed for n-3 PUFAs and omega-6 (n-6) PUFAs using gas-liquid chromatography. The total fat and the ratio of n-6/n-3 fatty acids in milk were also examined. Linear regression models revealed that infants whose mothers’ milk was richer in n-3 PUFAs had lower scores on the negative affectivity domain of the IBQ-R, a component of temperament associated with a risk for internalizing disorders later in life. These associations remained statistically significant after considering covariates, including maternal age, marital status, and infant birth weight. The n-6 PUFAs, n-6/n-3 ratio, and total fat of milk were not associated with infant temperament. These results suggest that mothers may have the ability to shape the behavior of their offspring by adjusting the n-3 PUFA composition of their milk.

The Triad Mother-Breast Milk-Infant as Predictor of Future Health: A Narrative Review

“…In addition, recent studies have shown a correlation between maternal perinatal psychopathologies, such as depression, anxiety, stress, and human milk composition in terms of macronutrients and immune components, immunoglobulin A, hormones, and cortisol. Some recent studies has shown that lower levels of DHA in breast milk were found in those countries where the prevalence of maternal depression was higher, impairing the adequate neurodevelopment of the offspring [ 45 ].…”

Microglial Function in the Effects of Early-Life Stress on Brain and Behavioral Development

“…There are several studies, however, that demonstrate the involvement of both ω-3 fatty acids and oxytocin in development. For example, higher levels of ω-3 fatty acids in maternal milk are associated with better temperament in children [157], and reduce negative affect and inflammation in children that have mothers with high levels of adiposity [158], while lower levels of oxytocin have been related to experiences of severe emotional neglect and abuse in childhood in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid samples [159,160]. Children raised in orphanages who experienced neglect have also been shown to have lower oxytocin plasma levels [161].…”

Homogenised and pasteurised human milk: lipid profile and effect as a supplement in the enteral diet of Wistar rats

“…It has been reported that sphingomyelin lipids (which contain high amounts of C16:1, C18:1n11, and long-chain fatty acids) were significantly higher in the brain tissues of recently weaned rats fed with human milk or infant formula (6) . Hahn-Holbrook et al (7) observed decreased sadness and distress in babies after human milk intake, attributed to its high concentration of n-3 PUFAs. The authors also linked human milk cholesterol to brain maturation (7) .…”

“…Hahn-Holbrook et al (7) observed decreased sadness and distress in babies after human milk intake, attributed to its high concentration of n-3 PUFAs. The authors also linked human milk cholesterol to brain maturation (7) . Moreover, according to Isaacs et al (8) , human milk consumption affects white matter and cognition by increasing glial myelination.…”