LC-PUFA levels in breast milk of mothers, after recommending a seafood diet

Abstract

Background: DHA fat acid is incorporated into the cerebral phospholipids of the newborn, according to its content in breast milk. Breast milk DHA concentration is variable, depending on the maternal diet. The low consumption of fish in the national diet could be associated with a low level of DHA in breast milk. 

Objective: to determine whether the recommendation of a seafood diet to breastfeeding women is an effective way to increase the consumption of DHA and therefore increase the levels in maternal milk. 

Method: 24 nursing mothers were enrolled in the study. Breast milk fatty acid composition and maternal dietary intake were assessed at entry and 2 weeks after recommending a seafood diet. Regular contact was maintained throughout the study period. 

Results: After the recommendations, seafood intake was increased from 63 to 160g per week (P < 0.001). Breast milk DHA content did not change. There was a direct correlation between DHA consumption and its content in milk (r = 0.71, p < 0.05), when DHA intake was above 200 mg/day. 

Conclusions: The seafood recommendations increased threefold DHA consumption. Breast milk DHA increased when DHA intake was above 200 mg/day. Increasing LC-PUFA n-3 intake, by recommending seafood, could be applied to nursing mothers at low cost and little risk.