Maternal milk DHA content predicts cognitive performance in a sample of 28 nations

Lassek, William D.; Gaulin, Steven J. C.

doi:10.1111/mcn.12060

Cited by 32 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…There is evidence that the DHA level in breast milk has a positive correlation with intelligence quotient, whereas it has been shown that LA level has a negative correlation, indicating the importance of the fatty acid profile during the breastfeeding period [ 5 , 37 ]. Our obtained ratio for DHA:LA (0.03:1) was similar to the mean ratio obtained analysing study data from 42 countries [ 38 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fish intake reflects on DHA level in breast milk among lactating women in Latvia

et al. 2018

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BackgroundDocosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an essential fatty acid required for proper growth and development. DHA levels in breast milk vary worldwide. Higher levels are observed among coastal populations and are associated with marine food consumption. Latvia is located in Northern Europe, on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. Nevertheless, fish consumption among women of reproductive age is low. The aim of this study was to determine DHA levels in breast milk among lactating women in Latvia.MethodsInvitation to participate in the study was posted on a social media member group for breastfeeding mothers. In total, 71 women were enrolled from November 2016 until December 2017. DHA levels (% of total fatty acids) in breast milk were measured by gas chromatography. Information about food consumed during the three consecutive days prior to the milk sampling was obtained and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was completed. Information about maternal and infant characteristics, current breastfeeding pattern and milk expression method was also collected.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 31 ± 4 years and the mean BMI was 22.1 ± 3.2. 27 participants were primiparas. The average age and birth weight for infants (34 males, 33 females) was 6 ± 4 months and 3.46 ± 0.55 kg, respectively. The median DHA level in breast milk (n = 60) was 0.30 ± 0.18% of total fatty acids and it was not influenced by any of the maternal or infant’s characteristics nor current breastfeeding pattern or milk expression manner (p > 0.05). Fish intake was a positive predictor for DHA levels in breast milk (r = 0.318, p = 0.013). Average maternal DHA intake was 136 ± 26, 137 ± 33 and 178 ± 49 (SEM – standard error of the mean) mg, for the third, second and last day prior to sampling day, respectively.ConclusionsDHA levels in breast milk among lactating women in Latvia correspond to the suggested target DHA value in breast milk (0.30%). Fish consumption is a significant positive predictor for DHA levels in breast milk, however, daily DHA intake among the participants was lower than recommended (200 mg).

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fish intake reflects on DHA level in breast milk among lactating women in Latvia

et al. 2018

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“…According to our results, ALA ingestion during the perinatal period only allows an increase of milk DHA during the first three months of nursing, suggesting either a limited further conversion and accretion of DHA in the liver and/or a regulated transport to the breast, as was postulated above. After the first three-month period of nursing, milk DHA reaches the estimated physiological levels for DHA (on average 0.3% to 0.32% of total fat) [ 56 , 57 ] despite the high nutritional availability of ALA. It is interesting that the content of AA and EPA of breast milk was not modified by ALA supplementation in our experimental model.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modification of Docosahexaenoic Acid Composition of Milk from Nursing Women Who Received Alpha Linolenic Acid from Chia Oil during Gestation and Nursing

et al. 2015

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α-Linolenic acid (ALA) is the precursor of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in humans, which is fundamental for brain and visual function. Western diet provides low ALA and DHA, which is reflected in low DHA in maternal milk. Chia oil extracted from chia (Salvia hispanica L.), a plant native to some Latin American countries, is high in ALA (up to 60%) and thereby is an alternative to provide ALA with the aim to reduce DHA deficits. We evaluated the modification of the fatty acid profile of milk obtained from Chilean mothers who received chia oil during gestation and nursing. Forty healthy pregnant women (22–35 years old) tabulated for food consumption, were randomly separated into two groups: a control group with normal feeding (n = 21) and a chia group (n = 19), which received 16 mL chia oil daily from the third trimester of pregnancy until the first six months of nursing. The fatty acid profile of erythrocyte phospholipids, measured at six months of pregnancy, at time of delivery and at six months of nursing, and the fatty acid profile of the milk collected during the first six months of nursing were assessed by gas-chromatography. The chia group, compared to the control group, showed (i) a significant increase in ALA ingestion and a significant reduction of linoleic acid (LA) ingestion, no showing modification of arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA; (ii) a significant increase of erythrocyte ALA and EPA and a reduction of LA. AA and DHA were not modified; (iii) a increased milk content of ALA during the six months of nursing, whereas LA showed a decrease. AA and EPA were not modified, however DHA increased only during the first three months of nursing. Consumption of chia oil during the last trimester of pregnancy and the first three months of nursing transiently increases the milk content of DHA.

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“…The World Health Organization recommends breast milk as the ideal food source for growth and development of infants ( 1 ). Human milk functions not only as food for the infant, but also protects against infection, promotes intestinal, immune, and cognitive development ( 2 ), and stimulates establishment of the unique gut microbiome ( 3 , 4 ) of the breastfed infant. Breastfeeding also has beneficial effects on short- and long-term maternal and infant health outcomes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Does Circadian Disruption Play a Role in the Metabolicâ€“Hormonal Link to Delayed Lactogenesis II?

Zhang

Ahmed

et al. 2015

Front. Nutr.

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Breastfeeding improves maternal and child health. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, with continued breastfeeding for at least 1 year. However, in the US, only 18.8% of infants are exclusively breastfed until 6 months of age. For mothers who initiate breastfeeding, the early post-partum period sets the stage for sustained breastfeeding. Mothers who experience breastfeeding problems in the early post-partum period are more likely to discontinue breastfeeding within 2 weeks. A major risk factor for shorter breastfeeding duration is delayed lactogenesis II (DLII; i.e., onset of milk “coming in” more than 72 h post-partum). Recent studies report a metabolic–hormonal link to DLII. This is not surprising because around the time of birth the mother’s entire metabolism changes to direct nutrients to mammary glands. Circadian and metabolic systems are closely linked, and our rodent studies suggest circadian clocks coordinate hormonal and metabolic changes to support lactation. Molecular and environmental disruption of the circadian system decreases a dam’s ability to initiate lactation and negatively impacts milk production. Circadian and metabolic systems evolved to be functional and adaptive when lifestyles and environmental exposures were quite different from modern times. We now have artificial lights, longer work days, and increases in shift work. Disruption in the circadian system due to shift work, jet-lag, sleep disorders, and other modern life style choices are associated with metabolic disorders, obesity, and impaired reproduction. We hypothesize that DLII is related to disruption of the mother’s circadian system. Here, we review literature that supports this hypothesis, and describe interventions that may help to increase breastfeeding success.

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Maternal milk DHA content predicts cognitive performance in a sample of 28 nations

Cited by 32 publications

References 31 publications

Fish intake reflects on DHA level in breast milk among lactating women in Latvia

Fish intake reflects on DHA level in breast milk among lactating women in Latvia

Modification of Docosahexaenoic Acid Composition of Milk from Nursing Women Who Received Alpha Linolenic Acid from Chia Oil during Gestation and Nursing

Does Circadian Disruption Play a Role in the Metabolicâ€“Hormonal Link to Delayed Lactogenesis II?

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