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Maternal intake influences key elements in breast milk, including DHA, EPA, vitamins A, E, K, iodine, and selenium.
In a recent research, researchers delved into the intricate connection between the dietary intake of lactating females and the nutritional profile of their breast milk. The study shed light on the crucial influence of maternal diet on the composition of breast milk, uncovering vital insights that could reshape dietary recommendations for lactating mothers. Researchers combed through electronic databases like CINALH, Web of Science, PubMed, and CENTRAL, with additional searches of reference lists contributing to the wealth of data.
This systematic review and narrative synthesis, conducted through a meticulous examination of 88 studies encompassing 6577 subjects, explored the influence of maternal nutrient consumption, encompassing exclusion diets like vegetarian or vegan, on both breast milk's nutrient and contaminant content. With the aid of the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, the quality of the research was assessed, emphasizing the rigorous methodology employed in this comprehensive review.
The findings revealed compelling evidence of a strong response to maternal intakes for crucial components such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), vitamins K, E, and A, iodine, and selenium in breast milk composition. While meta-analysis proved challenging owing to the high heterogeneity among the studies, the research presented some noteworthy conclusions. There was substantial proof of response for alpha-linolenic acid, contaminants, B vitamins, tyrosine, vitamins D and C, and ovalbumin.
However, inadequate evidence was found to draw conclusions about the impact of arachidonic acid, choline, zinc, iron, and copper. The limited availability of evidence and the substantial variability among studies underscored the necessity for additional well-designed and high-quality trials. But, this investigation recognized the crucial role of maternal consumption in the nutritional content of breast milk for an extensive range of nutrients. It strongly favors the suggestion for supplementation of DHA and vitamin B12 for women on restrictive diets.
These findings not only deepen the understanding of the intricate interplay between maternal nutrition and breast milk composition but also underscore the need for further exploration in this crucial area. As science continues to unravel the mysteries of maternal health and infant nutrition, these findings hold the promise of shaping future dietary guidelines for breastfeeding mothers worldwide.
British Journal of Nutrition
Evaluating the relationship between the nutrient intake of lactating women and their breast milk nutritional profile: a systematic review and narrative synthesis
Coralie Falize et al.
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