DHA supplementation enhances fatty acid composition of breast milk and infant plasma
Preliminary yet robust results may pave the way for future studies on the impact of DHA supplementation on infant fatty acid levels
New mothers are often advised to boost their omega-3 fatty acid levels, especially if they limited their fish intake during pregnancy.
A specific recommendation for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is often recommended as DHA is necessary to strengthen neurological function in the infant.
According to a study published in the journal, Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids, DHA supplementation has a significant impact on the fatty acid composition of breast milk and plasma concentrations in lactating women and their infants.
To trace the effect of DHA on mothers and newborn children, researchers recruited 89 lactating women who were over 18 years of age and 4-6 weeks postpartum.
The women were randomised into three groups: the first group received two capsules of a placebo; the second group received one placebo capsule and one capsule of DHA (200mg); and the third group received two capsules of DHA (400 mg/dose).
All dosages were taken daily for 6 weeks with the participants eating their usual diets. Measurement of breast milk fatty acids and maternal plasma fatty acids were calculated at baseline and at the end of the study; infant plasma was also measured for fatty acid content at the end of the study.
After 6 weeks, the treatments groups (200mg and 400mg of DHA) saw a substantial increase in breast milk and maternal plasma DHA compared with the placebo group (50% and 123% breast milk, P<0.05; 71% and 101% plasma, P<0.0001, respectively).
What’s more, infant plasma ratios of omega-6 to omega-3 and of arachidonic acid to DHA were significantly greater in the placebo group compared with both supplement groups (67% and 106%; 71% and 116%, respectively, P<0.05), meaning that infants whose mothers were not supplemented with DHA were significantly deficient in omega-3 fatty acids.
Given the importance of omega-3 fatty acids to the development of the neonatal brain and nervous system, these preliminary yet robust results should pave the way for future larger studies on the impact of DHA supplementation on infant fatty acid levels.
