Am J Perinatol 2021; 38(03): 258-264
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1696715
Original Article

Evaluation of Total Antioxidant Capacity and Total Oxidant Status of Preterm and Term Breast Milk during the Course of Lactation and within a Nursing Session

Asli Deniz*
1   Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
,
Ozge Aydemir*
2   Department of Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
,
Adviye Cakil Saglik
2   Department of Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
,
Zekiye Sekili
2   Department of Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
,
Zeynep Kusku Kiraz
3   Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
,
Ezgi Kar
3   Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
,
Neslihan Tekin
2   Department of Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
› Author Affiliations
Funding This study was financially supported by Eskisehir Osmangazi University Research Grant (project number: 201711A202).

Abstract

Objective Breast milk (BM) contains antioxidant molecules which may offer protection against oxidative stress (OS). We aim to investigate oxidant–antioxidant balance in preterm BM during the course of lactation and within a nursing session.

Study Design Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) were measured in colostrum, transitional, and mature BM samples of preterm infants born earlier than 34th week of pregnancy and healthy term infants. Oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. Foremilk and hindmilk samples were collected separately.

Results In colostrum and transitional milk, TAC (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively) and TOS (p = 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively) were lower in preterm BM compared with term BM. OSI was also lower in preterm BM, but it was statistically significant only in transitional milk (p < 0.001). TAC was highest in colostrum and decreased through the course of lactation. However, the decrease in TAC was not statistically significant in preterm BM. Lowest values of TOS and OSI were observed in colostrum. In transitional term BM, hindmilk had a better oxidant–antioxidant profile as indicated by lower TOS and OSI.

Conclusion Oxidant–antioxidant balance is preserved in BM in every stage of lactation. Preterm BM has lower OSI which may offer benefits to preterm newborn against OS.

Note

This study was the thesis in pediatrics of Aslı Deniz. Ozge Aydemir was the thesis advisor.


* These authors contributed equally as the first authors of this article.




Publication History

Received: 28 May 2019

Accepted: 26 July 2019

Article published online:
06 September 2019

© 2019. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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