Vertical transmission of viruses in breast milk can expose neonates to infectious pathogens at a time when the capacity of their immune system to control infections is limited. We developed a mouse model to study the outcomes of acquisition of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) when neonates are breastfed by mothers with acute or latent infection. Breast milk leukocytes collected from lactating mice...

BACKGROUND It is commonly assumed that preterm babies are malnourished and this has led to all forms of micronutrient supplementation including iron. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to compare the iron content in breast milk of mothers who had preterm and term babies. METHODS Ninety six (96) lactating mothers who delivered their babies at term and 68 lactating mothers who had preterm deli...

BACKGROUND It has been well established that breastfeeding is beneficial for child health, however there has been debate regarding the effect of lactation on maternal health in the presence of HIV infection and the need for nutritional supplementation in HIV positive lactating mothers. AIMS To assess the effect of nutritional supplementation to HIV infected lactating mothers on nutritional an...

Anemia is the most common nutritional deficiency disorder affecting one third of the global population. Lactating mothers are more susceptible because of maternal iron depletion during lactation, blood loss during childbirth and inadequate nutrient intake. Morbidity associated with chronic anemia extends to loss of productivity from impaired work capacity, cognitive impairment, and increased su...

BACKGROUND Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid found in breast milk, has many health benefits for both mother and baby. A 2007 meta-analysis found U.S. women had breast milk DHA levels (0.20% of total fatty acids) below the worldwide mean (0.32%). In 2008, international dietary recommendations were made for pregnant and lactating women to consume 200 mg of DHA per day. This commun...

Current study aimed to determine the potency of germinated-soy milk (GSM) on Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity, and Malondialdehyde (MDA) and C-Reactive Protein (C-RP) levels in the blood plasma and skim milk of lactating mothers. Subjects were 50 lactating mothers, 20-35 years old, having newborns up to 6 months old, and willing to sign informed consent. Subjects were divided into two groups...

Knowledge and attitude of pregnant and breast feeding mothers to option B+ prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV is vital for effective and efficient utilization of the service. The objectives of this institution based cross sectional study was to assess knowledge and attitude as well as factors associated with option B+ PMTCT of HIV among pregnant and breast feeding mothers...

BACKGROUND Despite strong evidence for the health benefits of breastfeeding, many mothers cannot continue breastfeeding their infants upon their return to work or school. Students are especially affected by this transition because they do not have legal protection that requires designated lactation space or time to express milk to be provided by places of education. Furthermore, limited researc...