title: Alpha-tocopherol levels in milk of exclusively breast-feeding mothers in Benin City, Nigeria.
abstract: The influence of prolonged breastfeeding on breast-milk alpha tocopherol was assessed in 112 lactating mothers practicing exclusive breast-feeding on term infants. The cross sectional study was carried out between May 1st and 30th, 2005 at the University of Benin/University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City among lactating mothers. Employing the Quaife's method, mean alpha-tocopherol values were determined in spot samples of breast milk. Though not significant mean Breast-milk (BM) alpha-tocopherol tended to decline with maternal age (p > 0.05) parity (p > 0.05) and duration of breastfeeding. Similarly, family socio-economic status did not significantly influence mean BM alpha-tocopherol levels. Exclusive and or prolonged breast feeding do not predispose the infant to low vitamin E supplies through the breast milk. Further studies are advocated to evaluate the effects of other biosocial variables on the levels of BM anti-oxidant vitamins including alpha-tocopherol.
authors.affiliation: Department of Child Health, University of Benin, Benin City.
authors.forename: Okoeguale Michael
authors.initials: OM
authors.lastname: Ibadin
authors.forename: Chijindu Christopher
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Osubor
authors.forename: Peter Ajokpoghene
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Onoberhie
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001942:Breast Feeding; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008423:Maternal Age; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000737:chemistry*; D009549:Nigeria; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D024502:alpha-Tocopherol