Trans Fatty Acids in Human Milk in Latvia: Association with Dietary Habits during the Lactation Period

Abstract

The human milk fatty acid, including <i>trans</i> fatty acid, composition is predominantly affected by the maternal diet. The aim of this research was to determine the <i>trans</i> fatty acid level in human milk among lactating women in Latvia, and to evaluate how maternal dietary habits affect the <i>trans</i> fatty acid composition of human milk. In total, 70 lactating women participated in this cross-sectional study. A 72-hour food diary and food frequency questionnaire were used to evaluate maternal dietary habits. Different <i>trans</i> fatty acids in human milk samples were determined using gas chromatography (Agilent 6890N, Agilent Technologies Incorporated, the United States). Overall, the dietary intake of <i>trans</i> fatty acids among the participants was 0.54 ± 0.79 g per day. The total <i>trans</i> fatty acid level in the human milk samples was 2.30% ± 0.60%. The composition of <i>trans</i> fatty acids found in human milk was associated with maternal dietary habits. Higher elaidic acid, vaccenic acid and total <i>trans</i> fatty acid levels in human milk were found among participants with a higher milk and dairy product intake. Meat and meat product intake were associated with a higher vaccenic acid and total <i>trans</i> fatty acid levels in human milk. A moderate association was also established between maternal <i>trans</i> fatty acid intake and the total <i>trans</i> fatty acid level in human milk. The obtained correlations indicate that maternal dietary habits during lactation can impact the composition of <i>trans</i> fatty acids found in human milk.