Breast size in lactating women and the content of macronutrients in human milk
Dados Bibliográficos
| AUTOR(ES) | |
|---|---|
| AFILIAÇÃO(ÕES) | Laboratory of Anthropology Jagiellonian University, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research Poland, Department of Human Biology University of Wrocław Wrocław Poland, Department of Anthropology Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy Polish Academy of Sciences Wroclaw Poland, University of Wroclaw, Institute of Psychology Poland, School of Medical & Health Sciences University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw Warsaw Poland |
| ANO | Não informado |
| TIPO | Artigo |
| DOI | 10.1002/ajhb.24055 |
| ADICIONADO EM | 2025-08-18 |
Resumo
IntroductionAlthough the primary function of a woman's breast is milk synthesis, only a few studies have evaluated the relationship between breast size and human milk composition, showing equivocal results. This study aims to test if breast size during fully established lactation is related to energy density and content of macronutrients in human milk.Materials and MethodsMothers of healthy, born‐on‐term infants at stage III of lactogenesis (N = 137) provided breast milk samples. Milk composition was analyzed using midinfrared transmission spectroscopy. The breast size index was calculated by dividing the breast by the circumference below the breast.ResultsStepwise forward linear regression showed a negative association between breast size index and lactose concentration in breast milk (β = −.242, p = .003). The final model, which includes breast size index, feeding frequency, and maternal energy intake together explained around 13% of the variance in breast milk lactose content (R2adj = .126, p < .001). No statistically significant relationship was found between breast size index and milk's energy density, protein, and fat content.ConclusionThis is the first study that shows a negative relationship between breast size during fully established lactation and lactose concentration in milk in a large sample size. No relationship between other macronutrients and breast size indicates that large breast size is not necessary for adequate milk production; however, it may contribute to an altered lactose concentration.