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Immune factors and fatty acid composition in human milk from river/lake, coastal and inland regions of China

Urwin, H. J., Zhang, J., Gao, Y., Wang, C., Li, L., Song, P., Man, Q., Meng, L., Froyland, L., Miles, E. A., Calder, P. C. and Yaqoob, P. (2013) Immune factors and fatty acid composition in human milk from river/lake, coastal and inland regions of China. British Journal of Nutrition, 109 (11). pp. 1949-1961. ISSN 1475-2662

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To link to this item DOI: 10.1017/S0007114512004084

Abstract/Summary

Breast milk fatty acid composition may be affected by maternal diet during gestation and lactation. The influence of dietary and breast milk fatty acids on breast milk immune factors is poorly defined. We determined the fatty acid composition and immune factor concentrations of breast milk from women residing in river & lake, coastal, and inland regions of China, which differ in their consumption of lean fish and oily fish. Breast milk samples were collected on days 3 to 5 (colostrum), 14 and 28 post-partum and analysed for soluble CD14 (sCD14), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, TGF-β2, secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and fatty acids. The fatty acid composition of breast milk differed between regions and with time post-partum. The concentrations of all four immune factors in breast milk decreased over time, with sCD14, sIgA and TGF-β1 being highest in colostrum in the river & lake region. Breast milk DHA and arachidonic acid (AA) were positively associated, and γ-linolenic acid and EPA negatively associated, with the concentrations of each of the four immune factors. In conclusion, breast milk fatty acids and immune factors differ between regions in China characterised by different patterns of fish consumption and change during the course of lactation. A higher breast milk DHA and AA concentration is associated with higher concentrations of immune factors in breast milk, suggesting a role for these fatty acids in promoting gastrointestinal and immune maturation of the infant.

Item Type:Article
Refereed:Yes
Divisions:Interdisciplinary centres and themes > Food Chain and Health
Interdisciplinary centres and themes > Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research (ICMR)
Life Sciences > School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy > Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences > Human Nutrition Research Group
ID Code:28934
Uncontrolled Keywords:Breast milk; DHA; Transforming growth factor β; Secretory IgA; Soluble CD14
Publisher:Cambridge University Press

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