Vegan/vegetarian diet and human milk donation

An Emba survey across European milk banks

Bibliographic Data

ID15535449
AuthorsSerena Gandino (0000-0003-1461-5527, John Radcliffe Hospital, corresponding author), Agnieszka Bzikowska‐Jura (0000-0001-5181-3771, Medical University of Warsaw), Karolina Karcz (0000-0002-4271-2626, Wroclaw Medical University), Tanya Cassidy (0000-0002-1143-378X, National University of Ireland, Maynooth), Aleksandra Wesolowska (0000-0002-7270-5910, Medical University of Warsaw), Barbara Królak‐Olejnik (0000-0002-6493-0333, Wroclaw Medical University), Daniel Klotz (0000-0003-2347-3866, University of Freiburg), Sertaç Arslanoğlu (0000-0002-1636-9991, Istanbul Medeniyet University), Jean‐Charles Picaud (0000-0002-4999-6668, Lyon 1 Université), Clair‐Yves Boquien (0000-0001-6944-5372, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement), Enrico Bertino (0000-0002-6369-9352, University of Turin), Guido E Moro (0000-0002-3429-3257, Mothers’ Milk Bank), Gillian Weaver (0000-0002-7556-1852, Rothamsted Research)
Year2023
Volume20
Issue1
Pagese13564-e13564
Publication date2023-09-19
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueMaternal and Child Nutrition (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1740-8695 • E-ISSN: 1740-8709
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/mcn.13564
PMID37724510
OpenAlexW4386843409
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited46

The nutritional adequacy of human milk (HM) from vegan/vegetarian mothers has been a matter of debate, and a variety of recommendations regarding the eligibility of these mothers as human milk donors exists. According to the latest evidence, HM from vegans/vegetarians is similar in its composition to that from omnivores, however, some differences may be observed regarding vitamin B 12 and omega-3 fatty acids concentrations. Maternal supplementation of these compounds has been proven effective in increasing their HM concentration. With this survey, we aimed to explore the practices currently in use in European human milk banks (HMBs) regarding potential donors following vegan/vegetarian diets. The online survey was distributed to European HMBs between January and July 2022. A total of 188 HMBs were contacted, and 118 replied (response rate 63%). Vegan and vegetarian mothers were recommended supplements of vitamin B 12 to be accepted as donors in 27% and 26% of HMBs, respectively. Additional omega-3 fatty acid supplementation was required in 8% HMBs. In the remaining HMBs, these mothers were either systematically excluded or included regardless of supplementation. The dosage of the recommended supplements was extremely variable. Fifty-one percent of HMBs were following recommendations to guide their practice, national or local recommendations mainly. Great variability in European HMBs practices towards potential donors following vegan/vegetarian diets exists. Some of these practices can result in loss of donors and/or in potential nutritional deficiencies. Standardised evidence-based recommendations on this issue and their implementation in daily HMB practice are needed

Human nutrition · Vegan Diet · Vitamin · Vitamin B12 · Breastfeeding Practices and Influences · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Infant Nutrition and Health · Medicine · Endocrinology · Internal Medicine

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