Flaxseed oil supplementation boosts levels of some omega-3 fatty acids but not DHA in lactating women.
Flaxseed oil is rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a precursor to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid critical for infant brain and eye development. A recent study found that supplementing the diets of lactating women with flaxseed oil altered the levels of some omega-3 fatty acids in breast milk, plasma, and red blood cells but not DHA.
The study involved seven lactating women who consumed 20 grams of flaxseed oil daily for four weeks. Researchers collected and analyzed samples of the participants' breast milk and blood before, during, and after the supplementation period to assess changes in fatty acid composition.
They found that levels of ALA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) increased considerably in the participants' breast milk, plasma, and red blood cells throughout the study. However, DHA levels were not significantly altered in any of the assessments.
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These findings suggest that dietary supplementation with flaxseed oil in lactating women boosts the presence of omega-3 fatty acids ALA, EPA, and DPA in breast milk and blood. However, flaxseed oil supplementation does not influence DHA levels, highlighting the complexity of fatty acid conversion and the need for further research into dietary strategies that could enhance DHA content in lactating women.
DHA is the most abundant omega-3 fatty acid in a newborn’s brain and influences mental and psychomotor development. ALA can be converted to DHA in the body, but the conversion rate is notably low. The mother’s diet and lifestyle strongly influence the quantity of DHA in breast milk. Learn more about breast milk and breastfeeding in our overview article.