Human Milk Composition in Indian Mothers

Nutritional profile of mother's milk is influenced by various factors including environmental, dietary and nutritional status of the mother. Given the huge diversity noted in nutritional status and ethnic dietary patterns in Indian population, including pregnant and lactating mothers, it can be conceivably predicted to have an influence on milk composition. With the lack of recent literature addressing these, it is vital to understand and update the influence if any, of nutritional status and dietary patterns on nutritional quality of human milk. The proposed Human milk analysis clinical study in Indian mothers is aimed to achieve a more recent and updated database of nutritional profile of Indian mother's milk considering the dietary and regional influences and demographic differences which can play a key role in levels of nutrients in mother's milk. In order to incorporate the varied dietary patterns, milk samples will be collected from mothers recruited from 8 sites across the country and analysed for important nutrient levels.