Breast Milk Docosahexaenoic Acid and Neonatal Outcome in Preterm Infants: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The usual intake of fish products is not common in Iranian mothers. Objectives: Regarding the significant effect of this nutrient material on neonatal outcomes, we aimed to evaluate the breast milk docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) level in mothers with preterm delivery. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done in 67 mothers with gestational age lower than 36 weeks during 2018 - 2019. Breast milk samples of 5 - 10 milliliters were evaluated by gas chromatography for DHA level. Then, the correlation between the breast milk DHA levels and neonatal outcomes was assessed. Results: A total of 67 mothers were eligible in the study. The mean gestational age and birth weights were 31.54 ± 4.44 weeks and 1707.85 ± 595.83 g, respectively. The mean DHA, as a percentage of total breast milk fatty acids, was 0.29 ± 0.0127%. Statistical analysis showed no significant relationship between the breast milk DHA level and gestational age, birth weight, maternal age, delivery mode, neonatal growth index, and neonatal complications. The relationship between the intake of food materials rich in DHA and breast milk level was not statistically significant. Conclusions: We concluded that the breast milk DHA level of mothers with preterm delivery was acceptable, although it revealed no significant correlation with maternal factors and neonatal outcomes.