Trans fatty acids in human milk lipids: influence of maternal diet and weight loss.

Geometric and positional isomers of octadecanoic acid in milk expressed during the first 9 weeks of lactation were determined for mothers delivering prematurely (PT) and at term (FT). Total C18:1 concentration was lower in PT than FT milk. C18:1 trans (elaidic acid) content was higher in PT and FT colostrum compared with subsequent milk samples. No relationship was observed between C18:1 trans level in milk and oleic acid, linoleic acid, total fatty acid levels, or volume of milk expressed. While gestational age and lactational stage appeared to affect the trans fatty acid pattern, the overriding influence was rate of maternal postpartum weight loss. Effect of weight loss on milk trans fatty acid levels was independent of maternal diet. Trans fatty acid content of milk as a function of recent maternal fat intake was also demonstrated. This study indicates that infants receiving human milk ingest levels of trans fatty acids reflecting short and long term maternal diet.