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Biomedical subjects

A M Ferris

Publications and source records attributed to A M Ferris.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Effect of fish oil on the fatty acid composition of human milk and maternal and infant erythrocytes.

To examine the effect of fish oil supplementation on the fatty acid (FA) composition of human milk and maternal and infant erythrocytes, five lactating women were supplemented with 6 g of fish oil daily for 21 d. Usual maternal diets contained 1,147 mg of total n-3 FA, with 120 mg from very long-chain (> C18) n-3 FA. Supplementation increased dietary levels to 3,092 mg of total n-3 FA and 2,006 mg of very long-chain n-3 FA. Milk samples were collected daily, prior to fish oil ingestion, and at 4-h intervals on days 1, 7, 14 and 21. Milk n-3 FA content increased within 8 h and reached steady state levels within one week. The n-6 fatty acid content decreased. Erythrocyte eicosapentaenoic acid content increased from 0.24% to 1.4% (P < 0.01) in mothers and from 0.11% to 0.70% (P < 0.05) in infants. Docosapentaenoic acid increased from 1.4% to 2.2% (P < 0.05) in mothers and from 0.30% to 0.78% (P < 0.01) in infants. There was no significant change in docosahexaenoic acid or n-6 fatty acid content. Maternal platelet aggregation responses were variable. No differences in milk or plasma tocopherol levels were noted.

Dietary Fats, Unsaturated↗
PubMed1992

Effect of dietary intake of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids on the fatty acid composition of human milk in North America.

To determine the effect of maternal dietary n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on the amounts of these fatty acids in human milk, two criteria must be met. These are assessment of the maternal diet and accurate analysis of the milk fatty acids. This type of analysis requires gas-liquid chromatography with capillary columns to resolve important n-6 and n-3 C20 and C22 fatty acid. This type of analytic equipment has only recently become available; thus the amount of complete data on human milk fatty acids is limited. To assess actual fatty acid intakes by the infant, the fat content and volume of milk received by the infant must be known. Alterations in maternal dietary intake of PUFA cause similar changes in milk PUFA. Several investigators have shown that maternal supplementation with fish oils increases the amounts of 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 in milk and maternal and infant erythrocyte lipids. A new mathematic index for assessment of essential fatty acid status, the mean melting point of plasma phospholipid fatty acids, has been proposed. We found in some mother-infant pairs that maternal supplementation with fish oil lowered the mean melting points of erythrocyte lipids to levels seen in nonpregnant women.

Diet↗
PubMed1992

Lipids in human milk and infant formulas.

About 50 metabolically important fatty acids can be identified in human milk. The extent of absorption of milk fatty acids varies considerably from infant to infant, particularly in pre-term infants, and requires more study. Human milk provides sufficient vitamins A and E for the term infant, but supplementation with vitamins D and K may be necessary. More research is needed on the amounts of the fat-soluble vitamins in human milk, the efficiency of transfer from mother to infant, the reasons for variation in different women, and the consequences to breast-fed infants of inadequate intake of vitamins D and K. Breast milk contains the PUFA needed by term infants who are able to synthesize the long-chain PUFA soon after birth. Pre-term infants fed formulae need supplementation with n3 and n6 long-chain PUFA, since formulas currently do not contain these acids. More work is needed to determine the requirements for n3 and n6 fatty acids, expressed as weights per kilogram. A larger data base using improved analytical procedures to study the nature and content of lipids in human milk is needed. The impact of maternal genetics and diet on fatty acids in milk should be studied, as well as the effect of maternal diet on eicosanoids secreted by the mammary gland. Information on the structure and function of the milk fat globule and its membrane is needed. Little is known about the effect of milk banking on milk lipids. The reader of this review will no doubt find other gaps in our knowledge of the lipid composition and nutritional value of milk that require additional investigation.

Fatty Acids↗
PubMed1991

Children's food preferences and genetic sensitivity to the bitter taste of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP).

Genetic sensitivity to bitter taste may be associated with preference or rejection of some foods by children. Thirty-four children aged 5-7 y participated in the following assessments: a threshold test for 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP), a scaling test to determine PROP sensitivity above threshold concentrations, a taste test of 11 foods and beverages with two methods of assessing preference (order of food selection and hedonic rating), and a verbally administered food-preference questionnaire. The 30 children who completed these tests successfully were classified as nontasters or tasters based on their PROP thresholds as well as their suprathreshold PROP functions. Analysis of variance showed significant differences in acceptance of cheese and milk for the two taste groups on one of the three preference tasks, selection of foods in order of preference. Tasters selected cheese later than did nontasters, suggesting that they like it less. Tasters selected milk earlier than did nontasters, suggesting that they like it more.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

The composition of milk fat.

Bovine milk contains about 3.5 to 5% total lipid, existing as emulsified globules 2 to 4 microns in diameter and coated with a membrane derived from the secreting cell. In homogenized milk, the coat is mostly casein. About 98% or more of the lipid is triacylglycerol, which is found in the globule. Phospholipids are about .5 to 1% of total lipids, and sterols are .2 to .5%. These are mostly located in the globule membrane. Cholesterol is the major sterol at 10 to 20 mg/dl. Data are presented on the membrane and the emulsion. Bovine milk contains substantial quantities of C4:0 to C10:0, about 2% each of C18:2 and trans-C18:1, and almost no other long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. The fatty acid composition is not altered by ordinary changes in diet. The triacylglycerol structure is unique, with much of the C4:0 to C10:0 at sn-3. The effects of milk cholesterol and fatty acids on human blood cholesterol levels and nonnutritive roles of some microlipids are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Carotenoids of human colostrum.

Colostrum, the initial postpartum secretion of the breast, ordinarily has a distinct yellow color due to carotenoids of its fat globules. This pigmentation progressively diminishes as milk production increases during the first week of lactation. Identity of these carotenoids was investigated by means of thin-layer chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography and spectral analysis. Alpha- and beta-carotene, lycopene and beta-cryptoxanthin were revealed as major chromogens. A component corresponding to lutein and/or zeaxanthin was also detected by both chromatographic techniques. Extracts of 23 saponified colostrum samples from 10 donors revealed considerable variation in total carotenoid concentration (0.34-7.57 micrograms/ml of colostrum). Multiparous mothers had greater mean colostrum carotenoid concentrations than did the primiparae, 2.18 +/- 1.94 vs 1.14 +/- 1.32 micrograms/ml, respectively. Seven of the eight primiparous donors' samples had little or no yellow color. These findings imply a difference in carotenoid transport by breasts that have lactated as compared to those that have not. The interrelation of carotenoids, lactation and breast cancer is discussed.

Carotenoids↗
PubMed1990

Changes in human milk at 0600, 1000, 1400, 1800, and 2200 h.

Milk from six mothers was collected every 4 h from 0600 to 2200 h. Total lipid and cholesterol, lactose, glucose, protein N, indicator acids 12:0, 14:0, and 18:2, and alpha- and gamma-tocopherols were analyzed. Total calories were calculated. Although considerable variation was seen in the lipid content, this was not significant and was apparently due to individuality. Differences in the other lipid components were not significant and were generally related to the total lipid content. Except for protein N (p less than 0.05), none of the other components varied significantly. Based upon these data and the results of others, the time of sampling of human milk should be matched to the population being studied to obtain consistent results, at least with lipids.

Cholesterol↗
PubMed1990

Lipids of bovine and human milks: a comparison.

Human and bovine milks contain about 3 to 5% total lipid, existing as emulsified globules 2 to 4 microns in diameter and coated with a membrane derived from the secreting cell. About 98% or more of the lipid is triacylglycerol, which is found in the globule. Phospholipids are about .5 to 1% of total lipids and sterols are .2 to .5%; these are mostly located in the globule membrane. Cholesterol is the major sterol. The major differences are in fatty acid composition, triacylglycerol structure, and the response of fatty acids in human milk to changes in diet. Bovine milk contains substantial quantities of 4:0 to 10:0, about 2% 18:2, and almost no other long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. The fatty acid composition is not altered by ordinary changes in diet. Human milk contains very little 4:0 to 10:0, 10 to 14% 18:2, and small quantities of other polyunsaturates. The triacylglycerol structure differs, with much of the sn-2 position occupied by 16:0 in human milk and 4:0 to 10:0 at sn-3 in bovine milk. The effects of milk cholesterol and fatty acids on human blood cholesterol levels are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Nutritional management of patients with chemosensory disturbances.

The effect of a chemosensory disturbance on nutrition and quality of life is not clear and may show individual variance. It is important for the clinician to become sensitive to this relationship and pursue appropriate nutritional management. Nutritional management of an individual with a chemosensory disorder requires nutritional assessment with appropriate dietary intake measurements, dietary and weight history, food behavior questions, and anthropometric measures. A registered dietitian can identify potential nutritional problems and provide guidance for weight control, dietary modification, and use of food-related compensatory mechanisms to maintain the nutritional status and quality of life in the person suffering from chemosensory disturbances.

Humans↗
PubMed1988

Lactation outcome in insulin-dependent diabetic women.

To document the incidence and management of breast feeding among women with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), 30 IDDM mothers and 30 controls were followed from birth of their infants to 6 weeks postpartum. The researchers interviewed the mothers in the hospital and by telephone at 1, 2, and 6 weeks postpartum. Fifty-three percent of the IDDM women and 57% of the general hospital population intended to breast feed. Because of the need for neonatal observation for hypoglycemia, most IDDM mothers were separated from their infants for the first 2 days. After 1 week, as many IDDM mothers as controls nursed. Initially, no differences in breast-feeding problems were found between the groups, but between 2 and 6 weeks postpartum, two IDDM nursing mothers but none of the controls experienced clinically diagnosed mastitis. A daily diet prescription of 31 kcal per kilogram of maternal body weight was associated with IDDM mothers' ability to sustain lactation, in contrast with 25 kcal per kilogram of maternal weight for IDDM mothers who stopped nursing. Six-week postpartum fasting plasma glucose levels of IDDM mothers who exclusively breast fed were significantly lower (4.6 +/- 2.2 mmol/L [82 +/- 40 mg/dl]) than the glucose levels of the women who stopped nursing (8.1 +/- 2.1 mmol/L [145 +/- 37 mg/dl]) or the glucose levels of the IDDM mothers who chose to bottle feed (6.7 +/- 1.7 mmol/L [120 +/- 30 mg/dl]). It appears that adequate maternal calories, blood sugar control, early breast stimulation, and mastitis monitoring are necessary for optimal lactation outcome in insulin-dependent diabetic women.

Blood Glucose↗
PubMed1988

Macronutrients in human milk at 2, 12, and 16 weeks postpartum.

This study evaluated changes in human milk composition from 2 to 16 weeks postpartum. Milk from 12 mothers was analyzed for lipid (utilizing a modified Folch), lactose (enzymatic hydrolysis), and nitrogen (semi-micro Kjeldahl). Energy was calculated by fractional analysis and bomb calorimetry. All samples were from well-defined subjects, and uniform collection procedures were used. Milk lipid, total nitrogen, and energy content differed significantly from one woman to another. Lipid and energy content increased from 3.98 +/- 1.0 to 5.50 +/- 1.1 gm/100 ml and 68.5 +/- 9.8 to 83.0 +/- 11.1 kcal/100 ml, respectively, and nitrogen content decreased significantly from 0.24 +/- 0.05 to 0.16 +/- 0.02 gm/100 ml from 2 to 16 weeks postpartum. Lactose remained statistically stable, increasing from 6.3 +/- 0.7 to 7.0 +/- 0.7 gm/100 ml. Estimates of energy from fractional analysis of macronutrients produced lower caloric estimates, especially at 2 weeks postpartum. Statistical differences over time and between and among mothers were found at all periods studied; therefore, on the basis of these data, we caution against reliance on single sample values as representative of mature milk either for individuals or for groups.

Energy Intake↗
PubMed1987

Within-day variation of taurine and other nitrogen substances in human milk.

Milk samples were collected from seven mothers during their 8th wk of lactation. On the day of collection one breast was completely emptied at 600, 1000, 1400, 1800, and 2200 h. Concentrations of total nitrogen, protein nitrogen, urea nitrogen, and free amino acids (taurine and glutamine plus glutamic acid) were determined. Concentrations of these nitrogen substances in the milk differed significantly among women but were relatively constant during the day. The mean concentrations of these substances per 100 ml of milk were total nitrogen, .189 g; protein nitrogen, .145 g; urea nitrogen, .020 g; taurine 34.9 mumol; glutamine plus glutamic acid, 200.0 mumol.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗
PubMed1987

Biological and sociocultural determinants of successful lactation among women in eastern Connecticut.

Postpartum factors affecting the duration of lactation were identified for 250 women through a telephone survey. The survey examined the behaviors and attitudes of women who had chosen to nurse and who were still nursing at 2 weeks postpartum. Sixty percent of the mothers nursed their infants after delivery. However, by 10 weeks postpartum, only 34% of the babies were still breast fed. By self-report, the most significant factors associated with the maintenance of lactation at 10 weeks were related to perinatal hospital protocol, especially letting the infant suckle soon after birth. Other significant predictors of successful lactation outcome included early milk "let down," little use of supplemental formula, the mother's expectation at parturition of an extended nursing period, her feeling well and being satisfied with her body weight, her previous successful experience with lactation, and her perception that she feeds her infant on demand. Few of the women who had stopped nursing after 2 weeks sought advice on breast feeding from anyone other than the pediatrician. Most coped with their nursing problems themselves. The data reinforce the importance of labor and delivery practices that support early maternal-infant contact. They also suggest the use of infant health indexes and weight and height percentile placement records rather than reliance solely on weight gain as the index of lactation adequacy. Further, they indicate the need for clinical intervention before 2 weeks postpartum.

Attitude to Health↗
PubMed1986

Within-day variation of lipolytic activity in human milk.

Milk was collected from six mothers during their 8th wk of lactation to determine the diurnal variation of bile salt-stimulated lipase and serum-stimulated lipase. On the day of collection, one breast was completely emptied at 0600, 1000, 1400, 1800, and 2000 h. Activities of bile-stimulated lipase and serum-stimulated lipase in the milk were determined. Activity of bile-stimulated lipase was constant throughout the day, whereas serum-stimulated lipase activity varied significantly with time. Both activities differed significantly in milk from different women. Time of collection must be considered when measuring activity of serum-stimulated lipase but is not a major variable when measuring activity of bile-stimulated lipase in human milk. These results may be helpful when designing future studies involving these enzymes.

Bile Acids and Salts↗