For some reason this post did not go through to the list so I am posting it
on Denise's behalf.
Listma Rachel 

From: Denise Fisher [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
Sent: 28. januar 2007 00:58
To: Lactnet
Subject: Fat level in breastmilk and maternal diet

I've been following this discussion keenly, for obvious reasons (the paper
is on my website).
http://www.health-e-learning.com/articles/Lactose.pdf

Research has very clearly demonstrated that the percentage of fat in
breastmilk is directly related to the degree of breast fullness. No other
relationship has been demonstrated to the best of my knowledge.
Also, having a higher fat content in breastmilk dramatically reduces the
colic caused by lactose malabsorption.

The reference by Abakada and Hartmann about maternal diet being able to
influence breastmilk lactose levels, while very old and not powerful enough
to make wholesale recommendations, does raise some very interesting issues -
issues that would be great to be researched further.

Anecdotally I have heard many times of Lactation Consultants guiding mothers
to eat a more well-balanced diet, including healthy quantities of healthy
fats (as opposed to minimal/no fats) and their baby's symptoms of distress
improved. What's causing this?? I don't know - could be the change in
profile of the fats, could be now eating less of a food that was causing the
problem, could be that lactose levels in breastmilk have been reduced
(though still normal), or it could simply be that the baby got a bit older
and grew out of it. I don't know and that's why we need some researchers to
address it. Lactose malabsorption colic is so common, it deserves this
attention.

I will write to the authors of the paper on my website, asking for them to
review it. It is an excellent paper that explains the concept so well. The
dietary advice given (have lots of variety; eat everything in moderation)
still sounds pretty good to me.

BTW: If you are a researcher, as well as investigating what influences
lactose levels in breastmilk (if anything), could you also please
investigate what influences an individual's breastmilk fat content (ie
between individuals there are widely different 'starting points' for amount
of fat in their breastmilk). Thank you :-)

Denise

             ***********************************************

To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail
To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest)
To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
All commands go to [log in to unmask]

The LACTNET email list is powered by LISTSERV (R).
There is only one LISTSERV. To learn more, visit:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html