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Carotenoid composition of human milk during the first month postpartum and the response to ß-carotene supplementation^1,2,3

¹ From the Department of Nutrition and Food Science (CPG, MD, and PBM-V) and the Biometrics Program, Department of Animal and Avian Sciences (LWD), University of Maryland, College Park, and the School of Public Health and Hygiene, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore (SY).

Background: Information is lacking regarding normal changes in milk carotenoid concentrations in healthy, well-nourished women during the first month of lactation.

Objectives: This study investigated milk carotenoid concentrations during days 4–32 postpartum and assessed the effects of maternal ß-carotene supplementation.

Design: Subjects (n = 21; aged 19–39 y) were randomly assigned to receive ß-carotene (30 mg/d) or placebo from days 4 to 32 postpartum. Each subject provided 8 diet records and 8 milk samples during the study. Diet records were analyzed for energy, macronutrients, vitamins A and E, and carotenoids. Milk samples were analyzed with HPLC for concentrations of carotenoids, retinol, and -tocopherol. Data were analyzed by using repeated-measures analysis and orthogonal contrasts.

Results: No significant differences in average dietary intakes, body mass index, age, or parity were found between groups at baseline or after supplementation. Milk carotenoid concentrations decreased over time (P < 0.01), as did retinol and -tocopherol concentrations (P < 0.003). Concentrations of most carotenoids decreased to those reported for mature milk by day 32 postpartum. Milk lutein concentrations remained elevated throughout the study compared with values reported for mature milk, whereas plasma lutein concentrations decreased significantly over time. ß-carotene supplementation did not significantly change the milk concentrations of ß-carotene, the other carotenoids, retinol, or -tocopherol.

Conclusions: The lack of increase in milk ß-carotene despite supplementation suggests that transitional milk may be already nearly saturated with ß-carotene. The elevated milk lutein concentration and simultaneous decrease in plasma lutein suggest that lutein metabolism may be altered during early lactation.

Key Words: ß-carotene • carotenoids • lutein • retinol • -tocopherol • lactation • breast-feeding • women • breast milk • human milk

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