Lipid content and essential fatty acid (EFA) composition of mature Congolese breast milk are influenced by mothers' nutritional status: Impact on infants' EFA supply

To measure the lipid content and the fatty acid (FA) composition of breast milk as part of a nutritional survey of the essential fatty acid (EFA) status of 5 months old Congolese infants.Cross sectional nutrition survey.A suburban district of Brazzaville (capital of the Congo).A random sample of nursing mothers and their 5 months old infants (n = 102). Data collection procedures: The mothers were questioned on their socio-economic status, dietary habits, and their body mass index (BMI) was measured. Breast milk samples were collected from each mother. Milk lipid content and fatty acid composition were determined.Compared with milk from various countries, Congolese women's mature breast milk…