Author
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Dror, Daphna |
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Allen, Lindsay - A |
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Submitted to: Advances in Nutrition
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 5/17/2017 Publication Date: 5/29/2018 Citation: Dror, D.K., Allen, L.H. 2018. Overview of nutrients in breast milk. Advances in Nutrition. 9:278S-294S. https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmy022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmy022 Interpretive Summary: This extensive review of current knowledge about changes in milk micronutrient concentrations over the course of lactation summarizes the influence of maternal intake, status, supplementation and other factors on milk concentrations of all of the major micronutrients and some macronutrients. It provides information on 22 nutrients including three on which we subsequently conducted Systematic Reviews published in the same issue of this journal. This review will be useful for evaluating milk composition and anticipating the effects of interventions in future studies. Technical Abstract: The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life to promote optimal infant health and development. Understanding the micro- and macronutrient concentrations of breast milk and how each nutrient fluctuates with lactational stage, maternal factors, and supplementation is imperative for supporting good breastfeeding practices. Where maternal undernutrition compromises breast milk quality, a thorough awareness of the effectiveness of interventions can direct efforts to achieve both maternal and infant nutrient sufficiency. This review of current knowledge covers trends in nutrient concentrations over the course of lactation and describes the influence of maternal intake, status, supplementation and other factors on the human milk concentration of each nutrient. |
