N Fidler1, K Salobir, V Stibilj. 1. University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Zootechnical Department, Institute of Nutrition, Domzale, Slovenia. Natasa.Fidler@guest.arnes.si
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The fatty acid composition of human colostrum lipids is influenced by maternal diet. We measured the fatty acid composition of colostrum lipids in Slovenia. METHODS: Milk samples were collected on the 3rd day postpartum from 41 women recruited in three Slovenian regions (Celje, Ljubljana and Koper). Dietary habits were examined by a food-frequency questionnaire. In situ transesterification and capillary gas chromatography were performed to determine the fatty acid composition. RESULTS: The coefficients of variation of the determinations of individual fatty acids accounting for >0.09 wt% were 1.87-5.91%. Between regional areas there were differences in the contents of linoleic (12.62-17.35 wt%; p < 0.001) and alpha-linolenic acid (0.70-1.07 wt%; p < 0.01), whereas the linoleic/alpha-linolenic acid ratios were similar (15.8 in Celje, 16.3 in Ljubljana and 17.9 in Koper). The highest proportion of docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3) was in Celje (0.49 wt%), the lowest in Ljubljana (0.35 wt%; p < 0.05). The long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCP) content did not correlate with linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid, but there was a correlation between the sum of n-3 and n-6 LCPs. The colostrum linoleic/alpha-linolenic acid ratio was positively correlated with the body mass index during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: The fatty acid composition of colostrum lipids in Slovenia shows some variation according to geographical regions.
BACKGROUND: The fatty acid composition of human colostrum lipids is influenced by maternal diet. We measured the fatty acid composition of colostrum lipids in Slovenia. METHODS: Milk samples were collected on the 3rd day postpartum from 41 women recruited in three Slovenian regions (Celje, Ljubljana and Koper). Dietary habits were examined by a food-frequency questionnaire. In situ transesterification and capillary gas chromatography were performed to determine the fatty acid composition. RESULTS: The coefficients of variation of the determinations of individual fatty acids accounting for >0.09 wt% were 1.87-5.91%. Between regional areas there were differences in the contents of linoleic (12.62-17.35 wt%; p < 0.001) and alpha-linolenic acid (0.70-1.07 wt%; p < 0.01), whereas the linoleic/alpha-linolenic acid ratios were similar (15.8 in Celje, 16.3 in Ljubljana and 17.9 in Koper). The highest proportion of docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n-3) was in Celje (0.49 wt%), the lowest in Ljubljana (0.35 wt%; p < 0.05). The long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCP) content did not correlate with linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid, but there was a correlation between the sum of n-3 and n-6 LCPs. The colostrum linoleic/alpha-linolenic acid ratio was positively correlated with the body mass index during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: The fatty acid composition of colostrum lipids in Slovenia shows some variation according to geographical regions.