LEVELS AND PREDICTORS OF MACRONUTRIENTS IN MATURE HUMAN MILK

Background & Aims: Breastfeeding is an important public health strategy due to its benefits in reducing the morbidity and mortality of infants and helping to control health care costs. Breastfeeding with various macronutrients and micronutrients plays its nutritional and biological roles in optimal growth and development of the infant. Based on the importance of breastfeeding, this study aimed to determine the levels of macronutrients in mature human milk, and the affecting factors. Materials & Methods: This case-control study was performed in Tabriz during September-February in 2018. A total of 102 women who were delivered by cesarean section or vaginal delivery were selected using convenience sampling. Breast milk samples were collected at 15 ± 1 day postpartum, and using the Lactoscan, milk macronutrients (lactose, fat, protein) and milk energy were measured. Results: Mean lactose, protein, lipid, and energy mature human milk’s in both groups were (7.30) g/ml, (2.78) g/ml, (3.65) g/ml, and (68.81) kcal/ml, respectively. Factors affecting breast milk lactose and fat levels included mother's current weight, infant's birth weight, and delivery mode. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that variables such as delivery mode predict the levels of macronutrients in breast milk. Due to the importance of macronutrients for infant growth and health, paying attention to these factors, especially promoting vaginal delivery, is important.