American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 49, 612-617, Copyright © 1989 by The American Society for Clinical Nutrition, Inc

ORIGINAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS

Breast-milk composition in women with cystic fibrosis: report of two cases and a review of the literature

ML Shiffman, TW Seale, M Flux, OR Rennert and PT Swender
Robert C. Schwartz Cystic Fibrosis Center, Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York Update Medical Center, Syracuse.

Breast milk was collected from two women with cystic fibrosis (CF) and data from the literature was reviewed. The sodium concentration was within normal limits, 11-24 mmol/L in colostrum and 7-8 mmol/L in mature milk. Normal physiologic changes in milk composition after parturition (decreases in Na and increases in lactose) and during individual feeding periods (increases in fat and decreases in protein) were observed. Concentrations of milk protein, fat, and sugars were normal when the pulmonary disease of these patients was mild. During exacerbations of pulmonary disease, the concentrations of milk macronutrients were reduced. Milk secreted by women with CF appears to be physiologically normal, safe for the infant, and breast-feeding by mothers with CF should no longer be discouraged. Variations in the macronutrient content of CF milk warrants routine monitoring of the mother with CF and the breast-fed infant, especially during exacerbations in the pulmonary aspects of this disease.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				F P Edenborough Respiratory diseases in pregnancy {bullet} 4: Women with cystic fibrosis and their potential for reproduction Thorax, August 1, 2001; 56(8): 649 - 655. [Full Text] [PDF]