title: Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation in lactating women increases breast milk and plasma docosahexaenoic acid concentrations and alters infant omega 6:3 fatty acid ratio.
abstract: This study investigated the effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation on the fatty acid composition of breast milk and plasma concentrations in lactating women and their infants. Eighty-nine lactating women 4-6 weeks post-partum received placebo, 200 mg or 400 mg DHA for 6 weeks with usual diets. Breast milk fatty acids and maternal plasma fatty acids were measured at the beginning and end of the study and infant plasma at the end of the study. Breast milk and maternal plasma DHA were significantly greater with 200 mg and 400 mg DHA compared with placebo (50% and 123% breast milk p<0.05; 71% and 101% plasma, p<0.0001), respectively. Infant plasma omega 6:3 and arachidonic acid (AA):DHA were significantly greater in the placebo group compared to both supplement groups (67% and 106%; 71% and 116%, respectively, p<0.05). DHA supplementation impacts infant fatty acids important for brain development and breast milk fatty acid composition.
authors.affiliation: Abbott Nutrition, Scientific and Medical Affairs, 3300 Stelzer Road, Columbus OH 43219, United States. Electronic address: christina.sherry@abbott.com.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Sherry
authors.affiliation: Abbott Nutrition, Scientific and Medical Affairs, 3300 Stelzer Road, Columbus OH 43219, United States.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Oliver
authors.affiliation: Abbott Nutrition, Scientific and Medical Affairs, 3300 Stelzer Road, Columbus OH 43219, United States.
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Marriage
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism*; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000737:chemistry*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D005227:Fatty Acids; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids
keywords: Breast milk; Docosahexaenoic acid; Infant; Lactation; Omega 3 fatty acid; Omega 6 fatty acid