Association of maternal diet with human milk fatty acid and macronutrient composition: a Saudi cohort study
Abstract
Introduction: Maternal nutrition influences human milk (HM) composition, particularly its fatty acid (FA) profile. However, evidence from Middle Eastern populations, including Saudi Arabia, remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the association between maternal diet and HM composition in a Saudi population.
Methods: In this secondary analysis of a prospective cohort of Saudi breastfeeding mothers, a subsample of 40 women was selected. Maternal characteristics, dietary intake, and HM samples were collected between 4 and 13 weeks postpartum. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24-h dietary recall and a food frequency questionnaire. HM macronutrients and FA composition were analyzed, and associations with maternal dietary intake were examined using correlation analyses.
Results: HM macronutrient concentrations were relatively stable and showed minimal associations with maternal dietary intake, except for a positive correlation between maternal monounsaturated FA intake and milk protein (r = 0.384, p r = 0.527, p r = 0.489, p r = -0.410, p < 0.01). Maternal n-3 intake was positively correlated with corresponding HM n-3 levels.
Conclusion: Distinct dietary patterns observed in this Saudi cohort, potentially shaped by cultural traditions during pregnancy and the postpartum period, may contribute to variability in HM FA composition. In this sample, both maternal n-3 intake and HM n-3 levels were low compared with global averages, suggesting a potential role for culturally…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 40 participants or records.
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