The fatty acid composition of human colostrum

We reviewed 15 studies reporting on the fatty acid composition of colostrum lipids from 16 geographic regions: 11 European studies and one study each from Central America, the Caribbean, Australia and Asia. The contents of es sential fatty acids, saturates and polyunsaturates were similar in the sout hern European countries Spain, Slovenia and France. Colostrum of St. Lucian women was high in saturates and low in oleic acid, reflecting a high-carbo hydrate, low-fat diet. Abundant fish intake was reflected in high contents of docosahexaenoic acid and total n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid s in St. Lucia. Two French studies published with an interval of two years showed a very similar colostrum fatty acid composition, whereas two German studies obtained with an interval of 14 years showed higher docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid contents n-6/n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatt y acid ratio. Studies from Spain reported a decline of alpha-linolenic acid in colostrum over a time period of 13 years. Colostrum of Australian women contained the lowest polyunsaturated/saturated and n-6/n-3 long-chain poly unsaturated fatty acids ratios (0.28 and 1.58) and the lowest contents of l inoleic and a-linolenic acids (7.8 and 0.4 wt. %). In contrast, the content s of docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and total n-3 long-chain p olyunsaturated fatty acids (0.6, 0.4 and 1.4 wt. %) were higher in Australi an than in European samples. Fatty acid composition of human colostrum appe ars to be markedly influenced by geographic differences in maternal dietary composition.