A double-blind, randomized controlled trial on the use of malunggay (Moringa oleifera) for augmentation of the volume ofbreastmilk among non-nursing mothers of preterm infants

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine if there is a significant difference in the volume of breastmilk on postpartum days 3 to 5 among mothers with ,preterm infants who take malunggay (Moringa oleifera) leaves com­ pared to those who were given placebo. SETTING: Tertiary government hospital STUDY DESIGN: Double-blind, randomized controlled trial PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 68 postpartum mothers admit­ ted at a tertiary government hospital and whose infants had pediatric ages of less than 37 weeks and admitted to the NICU for tube feedings were included in the study. The mothers were randomized to receive Moringa oleifera(encapsulated in a commercial preparation contain­ ing 250 mg of leaves) or an identical capsule containing flour as pla­ cebo. They were asked to pump their breasts using a standardized breastpump from day 1 to day 5 postpartum. The mothers were given capsules on postpartum days 3 to 5 . The contents Of the capsules were unknown to both Investigator and subjects. T-test was used to determine differences in baseline variables. Chi-square was used to determine difference in baseline proportions between groups. One­ way ANOVA was used to determine if there were significant differences in the volume of breastmilk between treatment and control groups. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: There was a trend towards increased milk production among those on Moringa oleifera leaves (Day 3: 114.1 ml ± 62.9 vs. 87.2 ± 49.1; Day 4: 190 ml ± 103.5 vs. 128.8 ± 84.9; Day 5: 319.7 ml ± 154.10 vs. 120.2 ± 54.7). This was statistically significant on Day 4 (p = 0.007) and on Day 5 (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Moringa oleifera leaves increase milk production on postpartum days 4 to 5 among mothers who delivered preterm in­ fants.