Ukegbu Patricia Ogechi and Ijeh Ifeoma Irene
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and as such are important in breast milk for infant’s growth and development. This study was aimed at evaluating the protein and amino acid composition of breast milk of lactating mothers in Umuahia, Abia State. Breast milk samples were collected from 27 lactating mothers during 2-4 weeks of lactation. Dietary intake was determined using weighed inventory method and 24 hour dietary recall. Proximate analysis was carried out using standard methods. Amino acid was by the use of amino acid analyser. Data was analysed using means (SD) and t-test. Results showed that mothers had a mean age of 26.0±0.44yrs, weighed 72.60±11.20kg and had height of 1.61±0.08cm. Protein, fat, carbohydrate and energy intake were 57.08±11.86kg, 45.76±31.65g, 459.88±104.59g and 2479.64±223.40kcal, respectively. Cereals and legumes were the main sources of protein. Protein content of breast milk was 1.09±0.38m/100ml. The main amino acids in the breast milk of the mothers were leucine and aspartic acid, while cysteine was the least. Correlation analysis between protein in diet and that in breast milk showed no significant association (P>0.05). Amino acid levels were similar to that reported from other developing countries.
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