Does Maternal Synbiotic Supplementation Affect Conjugated Linoleic Acid Level in Breast Milk? A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

AIM: As conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)is a potential growth promotor in newborns, the present pilot study aimed at measuring the effect of synbiotic supplementation on breast milk CLA level.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty lactating mothers were randomly allocated to take either synbiotic (n = 31) or placebo (n = 29) for 30 days. Maternal anthropometric indices were measured at the onset and end of the study by standard methods and body mass index was calculated. Information on food intake was collected by using a 24 hours 24-hour recall method for 2 days and food record questionnaire for 1 day. Breast milk lipids were extracted and CLA level was quantified by gas chromatography.

RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in the baseline mean breast milk concentrations of Fatty acids (FAs) between the synbiotic and placebo groups (p > 0.05). The CLA content of breast milk increased significantly by 58% (from 0.19 ± 0.15 to 0.30 ± 0.22 mmol/L) in the supplemented group, whereas it decrease decreased slightly but not significantly by 14% (from 0.22 ± 0.14 to 0.19 ± 0.10 mmol/L) in the placebo group. After adjustment for covariates, the CLA content of breast milk was significantly higher in the supplemented group compared with placebo group after the intervention (p = 0.03). The ratio of total n - 6:3 increased significantly over time in both groups, but was not different among groups (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study showed that supplementation of lactating women with synbiotic, resulted in increased breast milk CLA composition. Further research using different species of probiotic bacteria and analysis of maternal and infant plasma FAs would be beneficial.