Assessment of vitamin B12, EPA, DHA and BDNF in human milk of vegan, vegetarian and non-vegetarian lactating women

Breastfeeding is the recommended feeding option for infants. Although vegetarian mothers are more likely to breastfeed and they breastfeed their children for longer period of time compared to non-vegetarian mothers, vegetarians are at high risk of vitamin B12 deficiency and for inadequate status of long chain fatty acids (EPA and DHA). A deficiency of these nutrients may result in inadequate synthesis of important for central and peripheral nervous system growth hormone called Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). The goal of this research project is to assess vitamin B12, EPA, DHA and BDNF of human milk from vegan, vegetarian and non-vegetarian lactating mothers. The findings should confirm whether or not vegan and/or vegetarian mothers' milk status is inadequate for their infants.

Scholars @ ECU