Evaluation of total antioxidative capacity in milk of mothers of preterm infants during lactation

Abstract

Objectives and Study: Human milk (HM) is a complex biological fluid with an antioxidative function. HM feeding has an important role in prevention of antioxidative stress in preterm infants. Evaluation of total antioxidative capacity (TAC) in milk of mothers f preterm infants during lactation (colostrum, transitional and mature milk). Methods: Thirty mothers of preterm infants (infants born before 37 weeks of gestational age) who established lactation were enrolled in this cohort study. TAC of colostrum, transitional and mature milk of these mothers was evaluated using the fluorimetric method of determination of antioxidative capacity of oxygen radical absorption (ORAC). Study protocol was approved by Ethical Comittee of Institute for neonatology, all mothers gave their written consent prior to participation. Study was supported by Ministry of education, science and tehchnological development, Serbia. Results: ORAC method showed that TAC was highest in colostrum, gradual decrease was registered during lactation until reaching its lowest level in mature milk. Conclusions: Significant changes in antioxidative characteristics of human milk occur during the lactation period. Colostrum has a higher TAC compared to mature milk, as shown with ORAC method. This result distinguishes colostrum as a superior sample of HM, indicating its importance in nutrition of preterm infants.