Cross-sectional study to determine the relationship between anthropometric nutritional status of a group of lactating women of Medellin and the fatty acids profile of their mature breast milk

Abstract

Introduction: The lipids of breast milk (LM) are constituted by different fatty acids (FA) vital for the baby. The content and type of FA in human milk can vary according to the maternal fat reserves. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the anthropometric nutritional status of a group of lactating women and the FA profile of their mature LM. Material and Methods: The study was descriptive, transversal and correlational. The nutritional status was evaluated in 50 healthy women who were taken a sample of breast milk by manual extraction, with a minimum of 1 month of breastfeeding, residents in Medellín, using the Body Mass Index (BMI), Circumference of Waist (CC), Arm Circumference (CB) and Thigh Circumference (CMM). The LM samples were analyzed by gas chromatography. Results: 26 (52%) of the women presented BMI between overweight and obesity, 36 (72%) CB>27.1cm, 32 (64%) central obesity according to CC and 28 (56%) presented CMM>50.1cm. Regarding LM, the saturated FA showed the highest content 2.05 (0.77) g/100mL, and in the unsaturated linoleic acid 0.687 (0.31) g/100mL predominated and its isomers 0.97 (0.58) g/100mL. No significant correlation (p>0.05) was found between BMI and total saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated FA and fat, although BMI was correlated (r=0.281) with saturated short and medium chain FA of the LM and likewise CB (r=0.308) and CMM (r=0.298). Conclusions: No correlation was found between BMI and the FA profile. The LM analyzed has a higher amount of omega 6 FA and less omega 3 compared to recommendations for intake in infants and unsaturated /saturated ratio was similar to other studies.