Impact of Maternal Nutrient Consumption on Human Milk Macro Nutrient Composition: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: To increase the production of human milk, mothers must have an adequate, balanced, and healthy diet. This study investigated the effect of maternal food consumption on the macronutrient composition of breast milk. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study included 46 mothers. Food consumption and breast milk content of mothers were analysed on postnatal days 1, 5, and 15. Macro and micronutrient values consumed by the mothers were evaluated using the BeBis programme. Breast milk was analysed with Miris HMATM device. Results: In repeated measurements until mature milk was secreted (days 1st, 5th and 15th), the amount of carbohydrates and fat in breast milk gradually increased, whereas the amount of protein decreased. A significant negative correlation was observed between the amount of carbohydrates and energy consumed by mothers on the 5th day and the amount of breast milk proteins. There was a significant positive correlation between the amount of carbohydrates in the mothers' food consumption on the 15th day and the amount of carbohydrates in their breast milk. Conclusions: The effect of nutrient consumption of the mothers in the study group in the last 24 h on the macronutrient levels of breast milk was evaluated. It was observed that maternal food consumption affected the macronutrient composition of breast milk during the three follow-ups. In repeated measurements, the nutrients consumed by the mothers affected the breast milk (transitional milk, and mature milk) content.