n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in milk is associate to weight gain and growth in premature infants

Abstract

BackgroundLinoleic 18:2 (n-6) and α-linolenic 18:3 (n-3) essential fatty acids and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) are essential nutrients for growth and neonatal development. Consumption of preformed n-3 LC-PUFA has been shown to increase gestational duration and to decrease the incidence of premature birth in human studies. This study evaluated the association of essential fatty acids and LC-PUFA in breast milk on the growth of premature children (weight, height and head circumference).Study designThirty-seven premature infants with a gestational age of 37 weeks or less were followed until 6 months of gestational age, adjusted for prematurity. The milk from mothers, weight, height and head circumference measures of children were collected during the follow up. The breast milk fatty acids were quantified by gas-liquid chromatography.ResultsOur results showed that total n-3 PUFA was positively associated with weight gain (p = 0.05), height (p = 0.04) and body mass index (BMI) of children (p = 0.05). Our results also indicate that both linoleic acid and total essential fatty acids were positively associated with BMI and head circumference, whereas oleic acid was positively associated only with head circumference.ConclusionThese results suggest that the n-3 PUFA composition of milk may be associated with weight gain and growth. Considering the advantages of n-3 LC-PUFA consumption on infant growth and visual function and its association with reduced incidence of premature birth, dietitians should advise pregnant women to increase their intake of foods high in n-3 LC-PUFA.

Preeclampsia alters milk neurotrophins and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids

“…In our study, milk AA levels were negatively associated with baby weight at 1.5 and 3.5 months and milk DHA levels were negatively associated with baby length at 3.5 months during lactation in the preeclampsia group. In contrast, few studies have shown that total milk omega 3 PUFA in normal population was positively associated with infant weight gain (Tinoco et al, 2009), motor, mental and behavioral developments (Sabel et al, 2012). A recent review discusses the controversial reports on fatty acid supplementation effects on neurodevelopment in both animal and human studies (Davis-Bruno and Tassinari, 2011).…”

A Randomized Controlled Intervention With Fish Oil Versus Sunflower Oil From 9 to 18 Months of Age: Exploring Changes in Growth and Skinfold Thicknesses

“…It is well established that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) is important for, e.g., visual development in infancy (5), but it is presently unknown to what extent n-3 LCPUFA should be considered relevant with respect to adiposity. The natural content of n-3 PUFA in breast milk has been found to be positively associated with infant weight gain in preterm (6) but not term-born infants (7). Furthermore, two intervention studies giving n-3 LCPUFA to pregnant and/or lactating mothers suggest a programming effect on later infant BMI, although in opposite directions (8,9).…”

Maternal smoking modulates fatty acid profile of breast milk

“…Finally, higher colostrum levels of n‐6 fatty acids corresponded to the increased risk of rhinitis . Furthermore, the PUFA profile was proved to modulate both the growth rate of preterm newborns and the mental development of all infants .…”