Assessing Breastfeeding Practices Objectively Using Stable Isotope Techniques

Ann Nutr Metab. 2019;75(2):109-113. doi: 10.1159/000503667. Epub 2019 Nov 19.

Abstract

An objective method of assessing breastfeeding practices is required to evaluate progress toward the World Health Organization Global Target 2025: to increase exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates in the first 6 months to at least 50% by 2025. Currently, assessment of EBF at the population level is based on mother or caregiver reporting, which risks recall and social desirability bias. A more objective method is the deuterium oxide dose to mother (DTM) technique, in which lactating mothers are given a small amount of deuterium-labeled water. The infant receives deuterium during breastfeeding, and a compartmental model is used to determine the amount of human milk consumed by the infant, and the exclusivity of breastfeeding practices. If the amount of human milk consumed by an infant is determined using the DTM technique and the concentration of nutritional components or potentially toxic contaminants is measured, then the infant's intake of essential nutrients or environmental contaminants can be ascertained.

Keywords: Breastfeeding practices; Deuterium; Dose-to-mother technique; Exclusive breastfeeding; Stable isotope.

Publication types

  • Congress
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Africa South of the Sahara
  • Asia
  • Body Weight
  • Breast Feeding*
  • Deuterium Oxide / administration & dosage
  • Deuterium Oxide / analysis
  • Deuterium Oxide / pharmacokinetics*
  • Eating*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Mexico
  • Micronutrients / analysis
  • Milk, Human / chemistry*
  • Pesticide Residues / analysis
  • Saliva / chemistry
  • Vitamin A Deficiency / etiology
  • Water Supply

Substances

  • Micronutrients
  • Pesticide Residues
  • Deuterium Oxide