Although dietary lipid consumption is linked to serum alpha-tocopherol levels, its effect on human milk is unclear. The goal of this study was to look at the link between maternal consumption of vitamin E, lipids, and fatty acids and alpha-tocopherol concentrations in human milk. Longitudinal observational research was done with 143 breastfeeding mothers at 7, 30, and 90 days postpartum. Dietary consumption was recorded using a 24-hour recall method. On day 90, a human milk sample was obtained and the alpha-tocopherol content was determined. The Estimated Average Requirement was used to assess the prevalence of insufficient vitamin E consumption, and the alpha-tocopherol content was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Vitamin E consumption was linked to lipid and fatty acid intake, and 100 percent of the individuals had insufficient vitamin intake. The mean alpha-tocopherol content in human milk samples was 7.11mol/L, and it was shown to be associated with lipid polyunsaturated fatty acid consumption. Participants with the highest quartile of polyunsaturated fatty acid consumption had higher vitamin E levels.
The content of alpha-tocopherol was shown to be related to the dietary intake of lipids and fatty acids, indicating that its bioavailability is linked to fats in the mammary gland. These findings point to the development of appropriate techniques to enhance vitamin E levels in breast milk, which may aid in the prevention and treatment of vitamin E insufficiency.
Reference: https://journals.lww.com/jpgn/Fulltext/2020/06000/Dietary_Lipid_Intake_Influences_the.30.aspx
