Effect of maternal diet on breast milk composition

It is well known that breast milk composition differs from mother to mother. There is compiling evidence that the maternal diet (life long and short term) has an enormous effect on breast milk composition. This study will investigate possible differences in breast milk composition from Vietnamese women living in urban (Hanoi and HCMC) and rural (Ha Long Bay [fish-eating], Phu Tho and Tien Giang [rice-fish-eating]) regions. It is expected that within Vietnam relatively big differences will exist between breast milk compositions from mothers from the here fore mentioned regions.
Since breast milk is a strong determinant for the type of intestinal microbiome to develop in the infant during the breastfeeding period, and this developed microbiome is considered to have a relevant impact on the microbiome at older age, faeces will be collected from the breast fed infants, as well as from brothers or sisters (1-4 years of age) that have been breastfed before. Furthermore, the maternal intestinal microbiome is considered to be of importance (as aninoculant) for infant’s intestinal microbiome.

The maternal diet is highly responsible for the composition of breast milk which will result in at least differences between cultures and geographical separated populations. The maternal diet and breastmilk composition will show off in the composition of of the infant's gastrointestinal microbiome, tracking into childhood

Breast milk and fecal samples are taken around the 4th week of lactation.

No intervention. . This study will investigate possible differences in breast milk composition from Vietnamese women living in urban (Hanoi and HCMC) and rural (Ha Long Bay [fish-eating], Phu Tho and Tien Giang [rice-fish-eating]) regions.