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- Title
A cross-sectional study of fatty acids and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in human milk from lactating women following vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore diets.
- Authors
Perrin, Maryanne T.; Pawlak, Roman; Dean, Lisa L.; Christis, Amber; Friend, Linda
- Abstract
Purpose: Essential fatty acids are critical for brain growth and neurodevelopment in infancy. Maternal diet and supplement use have a significant impact on the fat composition of human milk. The objective of this study is to assess supplement utilization patterns and fatty acid and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations in the breast milk of women following vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore diet patterns. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational study of 74 lactating women in the United States following a vegan (n = 26), vegetarian (n = 22), or omnivore (n = 26) diet pattern. A single breast milk sample was collected from each participant and assessed for fatty acids and BDNF. Results: Median unsaturated fatty acids in the breast milk of vegan, vegetarian, and omnivores, as a percentage of total fatty acids, was 66.0, 57.8, and 56.2%, respectively (p < 0.001). Total omega-3 percentages were 2.29% for vegans, 1.55% for vegetarians, and 1.46% for omnivores (p < 0.001). Docosahexaenoic acid percentages were not different by diet pattern, but over 80% of participants had milk concentrations below 0.30% of total fatty acids. Reports of omega-3 supplements use (10/74) and weekly seafood consumption (3/74) were limited. BDNF was not detectable in any samples. Conclusions: Breast milk from vegans had significantly higher unsaturated fat and total omega-3 fats, and lower saturated fats, trans fats, and omega-6 to omega-3 ratios than their vegetarian and omnivore counterparts. Docosahexaenoic acid concentrations in breast milk were low regardless of maternal diet pattern, and were reflective of low seafood intake and supplement use.
- Subjects
UNITED States; BREAST milk; DIET; DIETARY supplements; FAT; FATTY acids; INGESTION; SCIENTIFIC observation; OMEGA-3 fatty acids; OMEGA-6 fatty acids; SEAFOOD; VEGETARIANISM; TRANS fatty acids; DOCOSAHEXAENOIC acid; SATURATED fatty acids; CROSS-sectional method; BRAIN-derived neurotrophic factor
- Publication
European Journal of Nutrition, 2019, Vol 58, Issue 6, p2401
- ISSN
1436-6207
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s00394-018-1793-z