The
fatty acid composition of human breast milk is relevant for the energy, immunity and
eicosanoid production in infants. Additionally, the
antioxidant properties of foods are essential for human health. Therefore, in the present study we aimed to investigate the relationship between maternal diet and
fatty acids composition as well as the
antioxidant potential of breast milk from donors to human milk bank of Perugia's hospital, Italy. Results were compared with infant formulas. We observed increased levels of total
fatty acids and, in particular, saturated and
monounsaturated fatty acids in milk from mothers fed on a vegetable and fruit-rich diet compared with a
Mediterranean diet. In the same milk, a reduced
antioxidant potential was found. All infant formulas resulted in richer total
fatty acid content than human breast milk. Only some formulas were qualitatively similar to breast milk. Of note, the
antioxidant potential of the formulas was higher or lower than the human milk with the exception of one sample. The
antioxidant potential of four formulas was very high. Dietary supplementation with
antioxidants has been shown to have a teratogenic effect and to increase the formation of
metastases in adult. There are no data on the effects of excess
antioxidants in the infants, but the possibility that they can be harmful cannot be excluded.