Impact of lutein and docosahexaenoic acid supplementation during lactation on plasma and breast milk (623.18)

We assessed the effect of varying amounts of lutein and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on breast milk and plasma levels of these nutrients. Eighty-eight lactating women 4-6 weeks post-partum were randomized in 3 groups: placebo, 6mg of lutein + 200mg DHA (low dose) or 12mg lutein + 400mg DHA (high dose). Breast milk and plasma lutein and DHA were assessed at the beginning and end of the study by HPLC for carotenoids and GC-FID for fatty acids. Infant plasma lutein and DHA were assessed at the end of the study. Breast milk lutein and DHA were at most 4.5 and 2.2-fold greater, respectively, as compared to placebo after supplementation; both increased in a dose dependent manner (R2=0.28 lutein; R2=0.20 DHA). Maternal plasma lutein and DHA had a similar fold change, 4.4 and 2.0, respectively, as compared to placebo. Infant plasma lutein was at most 4.2-fold greater as compared to placebo. Breast milk lutein and DHA were correlated to maternal plasma levels (r=0.7747 lutein; r=0.4994, P<0.0001). Infant plasma lute...