The trans fatty acid content in human milk and its association with maternal diet among lactating mothers in Malaysia.
Excessive intake of trans fatty acids (TFA) could reduce the fat density of human milk and impair the desaturation of essential fatty acids. Because the mammary glands are unable to synthesize TFA, it is likely that the TFA in human milk come from dietary intake. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the sources of TFA intake for lactating mothers in one of the urban areas in Selangor. In this cross-sectional study, anthropometric measurements, FFQ including 7 food groups and dietary consumption data were collected from 101 lactating mothers. Five major TFA isomers (palmitoelaidic acid (16:1t9), petroselaidic acid (18:1t6), elaidic acid (18:1t9), vaccenic acid (18:1t11) and linoelaidic acid (18:2t9,12) in human milk were measured by gas chromatography (GC). The relationship between food consumption and TFA levels was assessed using the non-parametric Spearman's rho test. The TFA content in human milk was 2.94±0.96 (SEM) % fatty acid; this is considered low, as it is lower than 4%. The most abundant TFA isomer was linoelaidic acid (1.44±0.60% fatty acid). A sub-experiment (analyzing 3 days of composite food consumption) was conducted with 18 lactating mothers, and the results showed that linoelaidic acid was the most common TFA consumed (0.07±0.01 g/100 g food). Only 10 food items had an effect on the total TFA level and the isomers found in human milk. No association was found between TFA consumption and the TFA level in human milk.
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia.
Akmar Zuraini
AZ
Daud
Norhaizan
N
Mohd-Esa
Azrina
A
Azlan
Yoke Mun
YM
Chan
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007774:Lactation; D019787:Linoleic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis; D008055:Lipids / Q000032:analysis; D008296:Malaysia; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000737:chemistry*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D044242:Trans Fatty Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000032:analysis*; D014505:Urban Population
D004041:Dietary Fats; D008055:Lipids; D044242:Trans Fatty Acids; D019787:Linoleic Acid