A cross-sectional study of fatty acids and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in human milk from lactating women following vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore diets

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Maryanne T. Perrin, Assistant Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Purpose: Essential fatty acids are critical for brain growth and neurodevelopment in infancy. Maternal diet and supplement use have a significant impact on the fat composition of human milk. The objective of this study is to assess supplement utilization patterns and fatty acid and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations in the breast milk of women following vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore diet patterns. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational study of 74 lactating women in the United States following a vegan (n?=?26), vegetarian (n?=?22), or omnivore (n?=?26) diet pattern. A single breast milk sample was collected from each participant and assessed for fatty acids and BDNF. Results: Median unsaturated fatty acids in the breast milk of vegan, vegetarian, and omnivores, as a percentage of total fatty acids, was 66.0, 57.8, and 56.2%, respectively (p?

Additional Information

Publication
European Journal of Nutrition, 2019, 58, 2401–2410. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-018-1793-z
Language: English
Date: 2019
Keywords
Human milk, Breast milk, Brain derived neurotrophic factor, Docosahexaenoic acid, Vegetarian, Vegan

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