Total Antioxidant Concentrations of Breastmilk - An Eye-opener to the Negligent

Abstract

The balance between free radical production and antioxidant defenses in the body has important systemic and oral health implications. There is convincing evidence that breastmilk containing antioxidants is important in the prevention of diseases in infancy. This study compared the total antioxidant concentration of human breastmilk expressed at different stages of lactation, stored at various temperatures and durations. Expressed breastmilk (EBM) samples of the third, seventh and 30th day were collected from women who had term and preterm deliveries (n=20). Another cohort of women (n=20) was also assessed; these women were more than five months postpartum and lactating. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of EBM was assessed at zero hours at room temperature, at 48 hours, one week post-refrigeration (4 °C), and freezing (-8 °C) respectively using the phosphomolybdenum method. The highest antioxidant levels were found in colostrum. The TAC of EBM reduced with time and at post-refrigeration and after freezing (p<0.0005). No significant difference in the mean TAC was observed between the EBM samples obtained from women with either term or preterm deliveries. The progressive loss of antioxidant content of EBM emphasizes the need of awareness and curtailment of the practice of storing and later use of EBM.

High‐Dose Human Milk Feedings Decrease Oxidative Stress in Premature Infant

“…These compositional differences in early HM may be especially protective against oxidative stress. HM handling conditions within the NICU setting may also affect the antioxidant and related bioactivity of HM, especially in the presence of HMF . These NICU‐specific procedures include prioritization of fresh vs frozen HM feedings, thawing and warming procedures, and whether HMF is added for a single feeding or for a 24‐hour feeding volume.…”

“…HM handling conditions within the NICU setting may also affect the antioxidant and related bioactivity of HM, especially in the presence of HMF. [21][22][23] These NICU-specific procedures include prioritization of fresh vs frozen HM feedings, thawing and warming procedures, and whether HMF is added for a single feeding or for a 24-hour feeding volume. Friel et al 23 did not provide information about these NICU-specific practices, so direct comparisons with our findings cannot be made.…”

Macronutrient, immunoglobulin A and total antioxidant capacity profiles of human milk: cross-sectional surveys at ages 6, 12, 18 and 24 months.

“…Although the composition of the milk produced during the rst six months postpartum has been widely reported, information on milk composition during the second year postpartum is limited and inconclusive due to small sample sizes, nonstandardized sample collection protocols, and limitations associated with study designs. Moreover, immunoglobulin A (IgA), which is the predominant immunoglobulin in HM, and the antioxidant capacity, which supports the immature immune system by neutralizing pathogens and removing free radicals, are rarely reported [9][10][11]. The goal of this study was to determine the associations of macronutrient and immunoglobulin A (IgA) contents and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of HM with the months of lactation from 1 to 24 months.…”

Macronutrients, immunoglobulin A and total antioxidant capacity of human milk during prolonged lactation

“…Although the composition of the milk produced during the first six months postpartum has been widely reported, information on milk composition during the second year postpartum is limited and inconclusive due to small sample sizes, nonstandardized sample collection protocols, and limitations associated with the study designs. Moreover, immunoglobulin A (IgA), which is the predominant immunoglobulin in human milk, and antioxidant capacity, which supports the immature immune system by neutralizing pathogens and removing free radicals, are rarely reported [9][10][11].…”