Fatty acid composition of breastmilk of Israeli mothers.

We conducted this study to determine the fatty acid composition of breastmilk of Israeli women and compare it with baby milk substitutes. Samples of mature breast milk, from 29 lactating Israeli Jewish mothers were collected during feedings. Total milk lipids extracts were transmethylated and analyzed by using an improved gas-chromatographic method. About 72% of the total fatty acids in the investigated breast milk comprised oleic (18:1c; 31±4%), palmitic (16:0; 21±4%), and linoleic (18:2n-6; 20±4%) acids. Total saturated fatty acids represented 42±7% of total fatty acids. The monounsaturated fatty acids content was 33±5%, of which 94% was oleic acid, and the polyunsaturated fatty acids content was about 24±4%, of which 85% was linoleic acid. The a-linolenic acid level found in this study, 2.0±0.6%, was higher than the range of values reported for the world population (0.10-1.4%). The main fatty acids composition of the milk substitutes has very similar composition to the breast milk. Docosahexaenoic acid levels are particularly low among the population of Jewish nursing mothers in relation to the milk substitutes, containing docosahexaenoic acid in their formulations.