Human milk cortisol and immune factors over the first three postnatal months: Relations to maternal psychosocial distress.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Many biologically active factors are present in human milk including proteins, lipids, immune factors, and hormones. The milk composition varies over time and shows large inter-individual variability. This study examined variations of human milk immune factors and cortisol concentrations in the first three months post-partum, and their potential associations with maternal psychosocial distress. METHODS:Seventy-seven healthy mothers with full term pregnancies were enrolled, of which 51 mothers collected morning milk samples at 2, 6 and 12 weeks post-delivery. Maternal psychosocial distress was assessed at 6 weeks post-delivery using questionnaires for stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Immune factors were determined using multiplex immunoassays and included innate immunity

SUBMITTER: Aparicio M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7241837 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature