LC-PUFA content in human milk: is it always optimal?

Abstract

The content of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) in human milk has been connected with infant growth and developmental indices. The LC-PUFA content of human milk usually reflects the dietary habits of mothers, so questions have been raised regarding the possibility of enriching maternal diet with LC-PUFAs during lactation (or even before) in order to improve infant outcome. Nevertheless, environmental and genetic factors have independent roles in affecting both maternal milk composition and infant development.

Conclusion: Diet-related differences in the LC-PUFA composition of human milk are under active investigation for their possible contribution to infant development, but environment- and gene-related differences in both human milk composition and maternal diet should be considered in evaluating the adaptive mechanisms of infants and the effects of specific LC-PUFA dietary supplementations.