Fatty acid composition of human milk in Kuwaiti mothers

Kuwaiti diet is exceptionally rich in fat, carbohydrates and proteins. In a ddition, subjects in Kuwait are exposed to extreme heat and sun light. Fatt y acid profiles of human milk obtained from 19 full breast feeding Kuwaiti mothers were analyzed. Dietary patterns for individual mothers were determi ned by 24 h dietary recall and food frequency questionnaire. The fatty acid content of human milk was affected by the diet consumed by the lactating m other. The content of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) in human milk lipids did not correlate with their parent fatty acids like linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids. However the human milk LCP were related to the o f content of LCP in the maternal diet. Mothers reporting a high fish consum ption showed significant amounts of C22:6, omega 3 and C20:5, omega 3 fatty acids. As a general conclusion, breast milk produced by a well nourished m other is better suited to meet the lipid requirements of infants. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.