Highlights
- •Arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids in preterm human milk decline throughout the first month.
- •DHA supplementation increases concentrations of DHA and related lipid mediators in human milk.
- •Pro-resolving lipid mediators are recovered in low concentrations in preterm milk.
- •Associations between milk lipids and perinatal outcomes deserve ongoing attention in clinical investigations.
Abstract
This study aimed to measure longitudinal quantities of the long chain fatty acids,
their biologically active terminal metabolites and related intermediates (also called
oxylipins) in preterm human milk expressed during the first month of lactation. In
a prospective cohort, breast milk was collected throughout the first month of lactation
in 30 women who delivered preterm infants. Eighteen bioactive lipids and their intermediates
were quantified via solid phase extraction and LC-MS/MS. Analysis by GC-FID quantified
the fatty acid precursors. Arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) milk
concentrations significantly declined throughout the first month. Oxylipin concentrations
did not change during lactation. Positive associations existed between ARA and thromboxane
B2, eicosapentaenoic acid and 18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid, and between DHA and
PDX and 14- and 17-hydroxydocosahexaenoic acids. DHA concentrations were 1.5 times
higher and 14-HDHA was 1.7 times higher in milk from women taking DHA supplements.
This investigation showed conditionally essential fatty acids, ARA and DHA, decreased
in preterm milk, suggesting a need to supplement their intake for the breast milk-fed
preterm infant. Positive associations between parent fatty acids, bioactive lipids
and intermediates, as well as sensitivity of milk to maternal fatty acid intake, support
consideration of a comprehensive approach to providing fatty acids for preterm infants
through both maternal and infant supplementation.
Abbreviations:
ALA (Alpha-linolenic acid), ARA (Arachidonic acid), BHT (Butylated hydroxy toluene), BMI (Body mass index), BPD (Bronchopulmonary dysplasia), FA (Fatty acid), HETE (Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid), HEPE (Hydryoxyeicosapentaenoic acid), HDHA (Hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid), ISTD (Internal Standard), LC-MS/MS (Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry), MeOH (Methanol), MeFor (Methyl formate), NEC (Necrotizing enterocolitis), SPE (Solid phase extraction), SPM (Specialized pro-resolving mediator)Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 18, 2017
Accepted:
May 11,
2017
Received in revised form:
April 10,
2017
Received:
December 23,
2016
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
