Oxidant and antioxidant status of human breast milk during lactation period

Due to the oxidative stress conditions at birth, newborn needs some immunological and antioxidative protection after birth. The present study was conducted to point out the oxidant and antioxidant activity of human breast milk throughout the lactation. For this purpose, the levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, lactoferrin, superoxide dismutase, and catalase was determined in colostrum, transition milk, and mature milk. Milk samples were collected from 20 volunteer mothers at 24-48 h of delivery and 7 and 14 days after delivery. The skimmed milk was used for determination of the levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and lactoferrin and the activities of the catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes. As the lactation period proceeded, the malondialdehyde level increased and the levels of nitric oxide and lactoferrin as well as the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase decreased. Colostrum has a high antioxidant capacity, and these antioxidants decrease during the lactation period owing to the changing need of the growing infant. The results of this study revealed the importance of breastfeeding immediately after the birth to take the advantage of colostrum.