Background: Maternal characteristics may be associated with human milk macronutrients but no definite conclusions have been made to date.
Aim: This study aimed to determine the relationship of maternal-associated factors on the content of macronutrients in human milk for the first six weeks after preterm delivery.
Study design: Prospective observational cohort study.
Subjects: Milk samples were collected from mothers after premature birth between 24 + 0-35 + 6 weeks.
Outcome measures: Macronutrients and energy content were analyzed by mid-infrared transmission spectroscopy. Demographic and anthropometric data from mothers were systematically recorded.
Results: A total 1.558 human milk samples from 192 mothers were analyzed. Colostrum: higher protein (p = 0.001) and lower carbohydrate content (p = 0.003) were present in primiparous compared to multiparous milk. Vaginal birth was associated with increased carbohydrate content (p = 0.021). Fat and energy content in colostrum was not related to any maternal characteristics. Mature human milk: similarly to colostrum, higher protein content (p = 0.001) and lower carbohydrates content (p = 0.022) were observed in primiparous compared to multiparous milk. The mode of delivery was found to be another factor possibly influencing protein and carbohydrate levels (p = 0.036, p = 0.003, respectively). Pre-pregnancy obesity was associated with increased fat (p = 0.030) and energy content (p = 0.020) in human milk. On the contrary, smoking had a negative relationship to fat and energy content (p = 0.026, p = 0.007, respectively).
Conclusion: Human milk macronutrient concentration after preterm delivery is associated with pre-pregnancy obesity, parity, mode of delivery and smoking. The impact of maternal factors on human milk composition should be taken into account in a strategy of feeding in premature infants.
Keywords: Breast milk; Human milk composition; Nutrition; Premature delivery; Prematurity.
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