Investigating the effect of black tea consumption during pregnancy on the oxidant/antioxidant status of breastmilk

Abstract

Objective: Black tea is associated with antioxidant properties. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the amount of black tea consumption during pregnancy on the oxidant/antioxidant status of breastmilk.

Subjects and methods: Breastmilk was obtained from 30 mothers and analyzed for lipid peroxidation based on levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and of reduced glutathione (GSH). In a survey completed by all participants, daily black tea consumption during the pregnancy was reported.

Results: No correlation was found between the amount of black tea consumed and levels of MDA (p=0.401) and/or GSH (p=0.473). The results of this study indicate that consumption of varying amounts of black tea does not affect the oxidant/antioxidant status of breastmilk.

Conclusions: The insensitivity of breastmilk to antioxidant contributions by black tea reflects the capacity of breastmilk to be resistant to the myriad of factors that otherwise affect a pregnant woman.