Is there a difference in breast milk fatty acid composition of mothers of preterm and term infants?

OBJECTIVE

Arachidonic acid (ARA) (c20:4 w6) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) (c22:6 w3) are of major importance for neural maturation and retinal function in infancy. Requirements in preterm infants are increased due to accelerated growth and limited body stores. Data regarding human milk fatty acid composition after preterm and full-term delivery is inconsistent. This study compared fatty acid composition in breast milk from full-term and preterm infants. Findings were correlated with maternal dietary intake.

METHODS

Human milk was obtained 4-5 days after full-term delivery (20 infants) and 4-5, 10-11 and 14-15 days after preterm delivery (21 infants, of whom 6 were born before 30 weeks). For fatty acid analysis, lipids were extracted, transesterified and separated by gas liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

Total fat content was similar in the two groups. FA composition including LCPUFA and specifically ARA & DHA were similar in full-term and preterm infants and in the sub-set born before 30 weeks. In preterm infants, postnatal age did not influence LCPUFA content.

CONCLUSIONS

This study did not detect any effect of gestational age or postnatal age on milk LCPUFA content. Accordingly, the increased demand for LCPUFA and specifically DHA in preterm infants need to be met by other supplementation.