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?0.001). Total omega-3 percentages were 2.29% for vegans, 1.55% for vegetarians, and 1.46% for omnivores (p?0.001). Docosahexaenoic acid percentages were not different by diet pattern, but over 80% of participants had milk concentrations below 0.30% of total fatty acids. Reports of omega-3 supplements use (10/74) and weekly seafood consumption (3/74) were limited. BDNF was not detectable in any samples. Conclusions: Breast milk from vegans had significantly higher unsaturated fat and total omega-3 fats, and lower saturated fats, trans fats, and omega-6 to omega-3 ratios than their vegetarian and omnivore counterparts. Docosahexaenoic acid concentrations in breast milk were low regardless of maternal diet pattern, and were reflective of low seafood intake and supplement use.
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
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Created on 9/9/2020
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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