Characterization of the macronutrient composition of human milk from mothers of premature babies at the Montevideo's Clinical Hospital

Abstract

The composition of breast milk varies according to several factors, lipids being the most variable components. In Uruguay, there are few studies on the composition of human milk and its lipid profile. This study aimed to characterize the macronutrients composition and lipid profile of milk from 25 mothers with preterm newborns. Milk was obtained from the three stages of lactation: colostrum, transitional milk and mature milk. The macronutrient composition was determined with Lactoscan SP, the fat content by Rose-Gottlieb method, and the lipid profile by Gas Chromatography. The average macro-nutrient composition was: protein 1.21 g/100mL, lactose 7.44 g/100mL, and total fat 3.0 g/100mL. The lipid profile showed 46.35% saturated FAs; 34.33% monounsaturated FAs. The major polyunsaturated FAs were linoleic (13.18%) and linolenic (0.66%). The omega-3 FA content was 1.20% on average. In conclusion, the average protein and total fat contents are within the values described in the literature, while the average lactose content was higher. With respect to the lipid profile, the prevalent FAs were saturated with an average higher than that indicated in the bibliog-raphy. As described in the literature, the most abundant was palmitic acid; the average monounsaturated FA was lower than described. In relation to the polyunsaturated FA val-ues, the linoleic acid was similar to that indicated in the literature, and the linolenic acid was lower. The essential fatty acids and omega-3 derivatives present in milk depend on the maternal diet, so it is important to consider this for possible interventions to improve milk composition.