Lutein concentration in human milk during early lactation and its relationship with dietary lutein intake.
OBJECTIVE
The present study aimed to estimate the lutein concentration in human milk during early lactation and its relationship with dietary lutein intake measured through the administration of a short FFQ.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study in which an FFQ was administered twice: on day 3 (T0) and day 30 (T1) postpartum; meanwhile two breast milk samples were collected. Maternal plasma samples were obtained at T0. The comparison of dietary lutein intakes and likewise lutein concentrations in breast milk at T0 and T1 were analysed with Student's t test. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to determine the association between dietary lutein intake and lutein concentration in milk and plasma, respectively, as well as the correlation between breast milk and plasma lutein concentrations at T0.


METHODS
Pavia, northern Italy.


METHODS
Twenty-one pregnant women, age range 24-42 years, were recruited during their last trimester on a voluntary basis.


RESULTS
Both breast milk and plasma lutein concentrations were significantly correlated with dietary lutein intake (r = 0.86, P = 0.0001 and r = 0.94, P = 0.0001, respectively). There was a clear significant correlation between milk and plasma lutein concentrations (r = 0.87, P = 0.0001). Mature milk lutein concentration, although significantly reduced at T1 (P < 0.01), maintained a fairly high correlation with dietary lutein intake (r = 0.82, P = 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
Even though milk lutein concentration decreased during early lactation, it remained significantly correlated with daily lutein intake. Therefore, while awaiting further research, dietary recommendations advising intake of fresh fruit and vegetables rich in lutein, throughout the whole duration of pregnancy and lactation, are extremely useful.
Cena
Hellas
H
Department of Applied Health Sciences, Section of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, I-27100 Pavia, Italy. hcena@unipv.it
Castellazzi
Anna Maria
AM
Pietri
Amedeo
A
Roggi
Carla
C
Turconi
Giovanna
G
D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D015930:Diet Records; D004034:Diet Surveys; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D007774:Lactation / Q000502:physiology*; D014975:Lutein / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000737:chemistry*; D055815:Young Adult
D014975:Lutein