Carbohydrate Content of Human Milk is Affected by Seasonal Variations; an Observational Study
2Departments of Pediatrics, Dana Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Medical Center, ישראל
3Departments of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Dana Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Medical Center, ישראל
Background: Previous studies have suggested seasonal variation in macronutrients content of milk produced from animals. The role of seasonal variation on human milk (HM) macronutrient content has not been elucidated. This study aimed to compare the macronutrient content of HM produced by lactating mothers in the winter and in the summer.
Methods: We compiled previously generated data on macronutrient content of colostrum milk samples collected from lactating mothers of healthy term infants. The mothers had delivered and were recruited during their postpartum stay at the Lis Maternity Hospital of the Tel Aviv Medical Center. Macronutrient content was measured by means of mid-infrared spectroscopy.
Results: The carbohydrate content of the colostrum was significantly higher in the summer season than in the winter season (5.9 ± 1.3 vs 5.4 ± 1.4 g/100 ml, p value <0.001). Protein, fat, and energy contents were similar in both groups.
Conclusion: The carbohydrate content in colostrum obtained from mothers of term infants was affected by seasonal variations.