Effects of Galohgor Nutraceutical Lactation Cookies on Breast Milk Volume and Lactose Concentration

Abstract

Background: Galohgor nutraceutical lactation cookies (NLC) contain polyherbal which is believed and consumed by postpartum mothers of Sundanese Ethnic in Indonesia to increase breast milk production. This study wasaimed to analyze the effects of NLC cookies on breast milk volume and lactose concentrations of postpartummothers.Methods: The experimental study with post-controlled design was conducted. Twenty eligible mother-infant pairswere enrolled and divided into two groups. They were randomly assigned to receive NLC (n=9) or original cookies(ORC, n=11). Each subjects consumed 4 pieces/d of NLC which containing 1 g galohgor nutraceutical powder/pieces or ORC (without galohgor nutraceutical powder), for 14 days intervention period since the first day of givingbirth. The measurement of breast milk production was carried out by baby weighing method using SECA 334 digitalbaby scale (SECA, Hamburg, Germany). A high-performance liquid chromatography method was used to determinelactose concentrations in breast milk. Data were analyzed by parametric Independent T-test or the nonparametricMann-Whitney U-test and adjusted analysis of covariance.Results: NLC significantly increased (P<0.05) breast milk production, as shown by average breast milk volume ofNLC compared to ORC, i.e., 557.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 497.3–616.6) mL/d vs. 435.9 (95% CI, 382.3–489.6)mL/d. This result was supported by lactose concentration in breast milk of mothers who consumed NLC significantlyhigher (P<0.05), compared to ORC, i.e., 6.03% (95% CI, 5.66%–6.40%) vs. 5.18% (95% CI, 4.85%–5.51%).Conclusion: NLC which containing galohgor nutraceutical can be recommended to increase breast milk volumeand lactose concentration in the early postpartum period