title: Maternal supplementation of omega 3 fatty acids to micronutrient-imbalanced diet improves lactation in rat.
abstract: The present study aims to examine the effect of maternal supplementation of omega 3 fatty acids to a micronutrient (folic acid and vitamin B(12))-imbalanced diet on gastric milk volume and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid composition. Pregnant female rats were divided into 6 groups at 2 levels of folic acid in both the presence and absence of vitamin B(12). Both vitamin B(12)-deficient groups were supplemented with omega 3 fatty acid. Gastric milk volume and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids were analyzed. Our results for the first time indicate that imbalance in maternal micronutrients reduces gastric milk volume and milk docosahexaenoic acid levels (P < .01 for both) as compared with control. Supplementation with omega 3 fatty acids to this diet imbalanced in micronutrients increases (P < .01) milk docosahexaenoic acid level as compared with control. Imbalance in maternal micronutrients during pregnancy can alter milk fatty acid composition, which may ultimately affect infant growth and development.
authors.affiliation: Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune 411043, India.
authors.forename: Kamini D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Dangat
authors.forename: Anvita A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Kale
authors.forename: Sadhana R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Joshi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D007774:Lactation; D008297:Male; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011247:Pregnancy; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014806:Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / Q000503:physiopathology; D015430:Weight Gain
chemical_list: D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D018977:Micronutrients