Cohort profile: Japanese human milk study, a prospective birth cohort: baseline data for lactating women, infants and human milk macronutrients

PurposeThe Japanese Human Milk Study, a longitudinal prospective cohort study, was set up to clarify how maternal health, nutritional status, lifestyle and sociodemographic and economic factors affect breastfeeding practices and human milk composition. This would eventually determine factors affecting the growth and development of infants and children.ParticipantsA total of 1210 Japanese lactating women who satisfied the inclusion criteria, were invited across the country at various participating sites, between 2014 and 2019. Finally a total of 1122 women were enrolled in this study.Findings to dateAmong 1122 eligible participants, mean age at delivery was 31.2 (SD 4.4) years and mean prepregnancy BMI was 20.8 (SD 2.7). Among these women, 35% were previously nulliparous and 77.7% had college, university or higher education. The mean gestational period was 39.0 (SD 1.3) weeks. Caesarean section was reported among 11.9%; mean infant birth weight was 3082 (SD 360) g. Of the infants, 53.7% were male. Overall, our participants appeared to be healthier than the general population in Japan. Analyses of the 1079 eligible human milk samples obtained at the first and second months postpartum showed the following composition: carbohydrate, 8.13 (SD 0.32) g/100 mL; fat, 3.77 (SD 1.29) g/100 mL; and crude protein, 1.20 (SD 0.23) g/100 mL. We also analysed osteopontin, fatty acid, vitamin D and phospholipid levels in limited subcohorts of the samples.Future plansFollow-up surveys will be conducted to obtain milk samples every 2 months for 12 months and to investigate mother and child health until the children reach 5 years of age. These will be completed in 2024. We plan to longitudinally analyse the composition of macronutrients and various bioactive factors in human milk and investigate the lifestyle and environmental factors that influence breastfeeding practices, maternal and child health, and child development.Trial registration numberUMIN000015494; pre-results.

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A Comparison of Changes in the Fatty Acid Profile of Human Milk of Spanish Lactating Women during the First Month of Lactation Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. A Comparison with Infant Formulas

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11123055 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. 3055 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Silvia Sánchez-Hernández ◽

Adelaida Esteban-Muñoz ◽

Rafael Giménez-Martínez ◽

María José Aguilar-Cordero ◽

Beatriz Miralles-Buraglia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mass Spectrometry ◽

Gas Chromatography ◽

Fatty Acid ◽

Human Milk ◽

Milk Composition ◽

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽

Infant Formulas ◽

Mature Milk ◽

Lactating Women ◽

Milk Samples

Breastfeeding is the ideal way to provide infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Milk composition changes throughout lactation, and fat is one of the most variable nutrients in human milk. The aim of this study was to determine the main differences between the fatty acid (FA) profile of human milk samples (colostrum, transitional, and mature milk group) and infant formulas. Human milk samples were provided by lactating women from Granada. Moreover, different commercial infant formulas were analyzed. FAs were determined using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. According to the results, oleic acid was the predominant monounsaturated fatty acid (41.93% in human milk and 43.53% in infant formulas), while palmitic acid was the most representative saturated fatty acid (20.88% in human milk and 23.09% in infant formulas). Significant differences were found between human milk groups and infant formulas, mainly in long-chain polyunsaturated FAs (LC-PUFAs). The content of araquidonic acid (AA) and docoxahexaenoic acid (DHA) was higher in human milk (0.51% and 0.39%, respectively) than in infant formulas (0.31% and 0.22%, respectively). Linoleic acid (LA) percentage (15.31%) in infant formulas was similar to that found in human milk (14.6%). However, α-linolenic acid (ALA) values were also much higher in infant formulas than in human milk (1.64% and 0.42%, respectively).

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Impact of Maternal Diet on Human Milk Composition Among Lactating Women in Latvia

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina55050173 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 55 (5) ◽

pp. 173 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Līva Aumeistere ◽

Inga Ciproviča ◽

Dace Zavadska ◽

Juris Andersons ◽

Viktors Volkovs ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Fatty Acid ◽

Linoleic Acid ◽

Human Milk ◽

Fatty Acid Profile ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Maternal Diet ◽

Milk Composition ◽

Lactating Women ◽

Milk Samples

Background and objectives: Many studies indicate that the maternal diet is an important factor affecting human milk composition. Human milk composition among lactating women in Latvia, as well as the maternal diet during lactation, has not been sufficiently studied. The aim of this research was to assess dietary habits and macronutrient intake among lactating women in Latvia and to examine the effect of diet on human milk composition. Materials and Methods: Research was conducted between November 2016 and December 2017. Mature human milk samples (n = 61) along with a 72h food diary, a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and a questionnaire about maternal and infant characteristics were obtained from voluntary women who were recruited via an invitation published in a social media member group for nursing mothers. Fat content in human milk was determined by LVS ISO 2446:2008, protein content was determined by LVS EN ISO 8968-1:2014, lactose was determined by ISO 22662:2007, and the fatty acid profile was analyzed using gas chromatography. Dietary data were evaluated using the Finnish food composition database Fineli, release 19 (3 March 2018). Results: Median values for fat, protein, and lactose in mature human milk were 4.40%, 1.08%, and 6.52%, respectively. Predominant fatty acids in human milk were oleic acid (C18:1 n9c), palmitic acid (C16:0), and linoleic acid (C18:2 n6c) at 34.60%, 24.00%, and 11.00% of total fatty acids, respectively. The trans elaidic acid (C18:1 n9t) level was <0.10% in all human milk samples. Significant, positive associations (p < 0.05) were found between maternal dietary intake of linoleic, α-linolenic, docosahexaenoic, total cis-monounsaturated, total cis-polyunsaturated, and total n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, the ratio of n-6/n-3, and the level of these fatty acids in human milk. Total energy and carbohydrate intake among participants were lower, but total fat, saturated fat, and sugar intake were higher than recommended. Protein, linoleic acid, and α-linolenic acid intake were adequate, but docosahexaenoic acid intake was noticeably lower than recommended. Women should be supported with information regarding their nutritional needs during lactation and the possible impact of diet on human milk composition. Conclusion: Macronutrient (fat, protein, and lactose) content in human milk is not affected by maternal diet. Conversely, the human milk fatty acid profile is affected by the immediate diet consumed by the mother. Habitual dietary habits can also impact the fatty acid profile of human milk.

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Continuing Progressive Deterioration of the Environment in the Aral Sea Region: Disastrous Effects on Mother and Child Health

Acta Paediatrica ◽

10.1080/08035250118841 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 90 (5) ◽

pp. 589-591

Author(s):

O Ataniyazova, S Adrian, Z Mazhitova,

Keyword(s):

Child Health ◽

Aral Sea ◽

Progressive Deterioration ◽

Mother And Child Health ◽

Mother And Child ◽

And Child Health

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The Effects of National Policies and Laws on the Formation of Conscience: Reflections on Korea’s Family Planning Policy and the Mother and Child Health Law Based on the Evangelium Vitae

Theological Perspective ◽

10.22504/tp.2017.03.196.151 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 196 ◽

pp. 151

Author(s):

Hae Sook Yu

Keyword(s):

Family Planning ◽

Child Health ◽

Health Law ◽

Family Planning Policy ◽

National Policies ◽

Planning Policy ◽

Mother And Child Health ◽

Mother And Child ◽

And Child Health

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Probiotic Supplementation and Human Milk Cytokine Profiles in Japanese Women: A Retrospective Study from an Open-Label Pilot Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13072285 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (7) ◽

pp. 2285

Author(s):

Tomoki Takahashi ◽

Hirofumi Fukudome ◽

Hiroshi M. Ueno ◽

Shiomi Watanabe-Matsuhashi ◽

Taku Nakano ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Human Milk ◽

Regression Models ◽

Bifidobacterium Longum ◽

Pilot Trial ◽

Bacillus Coagulans ◽

Open Label ◽

Probiotic Supplementation ◽

Lactating Women ◽

Milk Samples ◽

Cytokine Levels

The benefits of probiotic supplementation to lactating mothers on human milk cytokines are inconclusive. Thus, we performed a comprehensive open-label pilot trial analysis of 27 human milk cytokines in lactating women with allergies (one to three months postpartum) to determine the effect of supplementation with a mixture of new probiotic strains. Participants voluntarily joined the probiotic (n = 41) or no supplementation control (n = 19) groups. The probiotic group took three probiotic tablets (Lactobacillus casei LC5, Bifidobacterium longum BG7, and Bacillus coagulans SANK70258) daily for one to three months postpartum. Milk samples were collected at one, two, and three months postpartum, and cytokine levels were measured using multiplex assays. The effects were analyzed using multivariate regression models. Eleven cytokines showed a positive rate of over 50% in the milk samples throughout testing in both groups. The positive rates of IL-1 receptor antagonist and IL-7 changed significantly with lactation progression in logistic regression models after adjusting for time and supplementation, whereas rates of other cytokines showed no significant differences. The lactational change patterns of IL-10 concentrations differed significantly between the two groups. A short-term supplementation of probiotics affects human milk cytokine levels in lactating women with a possible placebo effect still existing. Future placebo-controlled studies are needed to support these results, based on the estimated sample sizes in this study.

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Factors affecting the utilisation of maternal, newborn, and child health services in Indonesia: the role of the Maternal and Child Health Handbook

Public Health ◽

10.1016/j.puhe.2015.01.001 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 129 (5) ◽

pp. 582-586 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

K. Osaki ◽

S. Kosen ◽

E. Indriasih ◽

K. Pritasari ◽

T. Hattori

Keyword(s):

Child Health ◽

Health Services ◽

Maternal And Child Health ◽

Child Health Services ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Newborn And Child Health ◽

And Child Health

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Human Milk Composition and Dietary Intakes of Breastfeeding Women of Different Ethnicity from the Manawatu-Wanganui Region of New Zealand

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu10091231 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 1231 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Christine Butts ◽

Duncan Hedderley ◽

Thanuja Herath ◽

Gunaranjan Paturi ◽

Sarah Glyn-Jones ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

New Zealand ◽

Breast Milk ◽

Human Milk ◽

Milk Composition ◽

Pacific Island ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Omega 3 ◽

Food Diary ◽

Milk Samples

Human milk is nutrient rich, complex in its composition, and is key to a baby’s health through its role in nutrition, gastrointestinal tract and immune development. Seventy-eight mothers (19–42 years of age) of Asian, Māori, Pacific Island, or of European ethnicity living in Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand (NZ) completed the study. The women provided three breast milk samples over a one-week period (6–8 weeks postpartum), completed a three-day food diary and provided information regarding their pregnancy and lactation experiences. The breast milk samples were analyzed for protein, fat, fatty acid profile, ash, selected minerals (calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc), and carbohydrates. Breast milk nutrient profiles showed no significant differences between the mothers of different ethnicities in their macronutrient (protein, fat, carbohydrate, and moisture) content. The breast milk of Asian mothers contained significantly higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-3 (n-3) and omega-6 (n-6) fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and linoleic acids. Arachidonic acid was significantly lower in the breast milk of Māori and Pacific Island women. Dietary intakes of protein, total energy, saturated and polyunsaturated fat, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iodine, vitamin A equivalents, and folate differed between the ethnic groups, as well as the number of serves of dairy foods, chicken, and legumes. No strong correlations between dietary nutrients and breast milk components were found.

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Determinants of Maternal and Child Health Handbook Utilization in Surabaya, Indonesia

Folia Medica Indonesiana ◽

10.20473/fmi.v55i3.15506 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 55 (3) ◽

pp. 223

Author(s):

Irwanto Irwanto ◽

Ilham Ikhtiar ◽

Indah Lutfiya ◽

Windhu Purnomo

Keyword(s):

Child Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Maternal Characteristics ◽

Developmental Problems ◽

Mother And Child ◽

Child Health Status ◽

Spearman Correlation Test ◽

Education And Employment ◽

Education And Development ◽

And Child Health

Mothers and child health (MCH) are one of the main issues in family medicine. Related to this practice, Indonesian government issued mother and child health (MCH) handbook for monitoring child development due to various child developmental problems in Indonesia. However, there are reports of improper MCH handbook utilization. This study aimed to analyze factors related to the utilization of MCH handbook by mothers in Indonesia. Cross sectional observational study was conducted from March to May 2018. This study involved mothers with children aged 3 to 72 months old in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia. Specific population of mothers who had children attending Early Childhood Education and Development (ECED) and Integrated Health Post (IHP) (Indonesia: Pos Pelayanan Terpadu-Posyandu) were included as inclusion criteria. Maternal characteristics, child health status, employment status, and utilization of MCH handbook were recorded through questionnaire. Association between variables then analyzed statistically using Spearman correlation test. As many as 288 participants were enrolled in this study. We found that mothers’ participation of Posyandu was positively correlated with MCH handbook utilization (p<0.05). Meanwhile, mother’s occupation (p>0.05), mothers’ education (p>0.05), and maternal age (p>0.05) were found to be unrelated to the utilization of MCH handbook. Mothers’ age, education, and employment were found to be uncorrelated with utilization of MCH handbook. Whereas, mothers’ participation in Posyandu was a determinant factor correlated with utilization of MCH handbook.

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