[Science Updates] Genetic influences on DHA level in human milk
![[Science Updates] Genetic influences on DHA level in human milk](/sites/default/files/styles/header_image_article_mobile/public/2021-01/056_Mother%20breastfeeding%20baby.jpg.webp?itok=wUmMdC7t)
Human milk is an ideal food for healthy infants. DHA in human milk is critical for growth and development of infants, but its content varies widely among individuals and countries.
A Taiwanese study has examined the influences of maternal FADS gene variants and dietary intake on DHA content in human milk. Results demonstrated a significant gene-diet interaction:
- Mothers with low genetic risk+ only had high DHA level with high DHA intake
- Dietary impact was quite limited among mothers with high genetic risk+
+Genetic risk was stratified by whether minor allele numbers were ≥ 3 in rs1535 and rs174448
Link to publication:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7071481/pdf/nutrients-12-00543.pdf
Reference
Wu WC et al. FADS Genetic variants in Taiwanese modify association of DHA intake and its proportions in human milk. Nutrients. 2020;12(2):543.
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