Nutrient composition of human milk of Indian mothers: relation with maternal and infant anthropometry

The aim of the study was to determine the nutrient composition of human milk (HM) of Indian mothers and investigate its association with maternal and infant anthropometric measures. Human milk is an ideal source of nutrition for optimum growth and development of infant. Among Indian mothers, HM composition data is scanty, especially during prolonged lactation. Mother-infant dyads (n = 50) comprising of two lactation group (0–6 m, n = 26) and (7–12 m, n = 24) residing in Delhi, India were enrolled. Height, weight, BMI, MUAC and head circumference were measured and compared with reference standard. The macronutrients and micronutrients of HM were analysed using MIRIS analyzer, ICP-AES and HPLC. Correlation plots were generated between HM nutrients and maternal, infant anthropometry. Mean BMI of mothers were 19.6 ± 2.6 (0–6 m) and 21.2 ± 3.7 (7–12 m) kg/m². Around 26% of mothers were underweight, 28% overweight. Among infants, 26% were underweight, wasted (18%), stunted (34%) and overweight (10%). The macronutrient composition of human milk were similar to reference values (means ± standard deviation). Both lactation group showed similar HM nutrient composition. Significant positive associations (r = 0.3–0.5) were found between maternal height, infant HCZ with HM energy, fat; maternal prepregnancy-weight, MUAC with retinol; maternal MUAC with crude protein.