Effect of socio-economic conditions on lipid composition of breast milk of Bangladesh urban mothers

The relationship between socio-economic status and lipid composition in breast milk of 97 Bangladeshi urban mothers was investigated. Study subjects were aged 18-35 years and were selected randomly from three clinics of Dhaka (capital city of Bangladesh). An appropriate questionnaire was developed to obtain information on health condition of mothers and infants, age, height and weight of both the mothers and their infants, educational qualification of both mother and the father, family income, family size, housing condition, source of drinking water, sanitation and monthly expenditure for food. Mothers from the higher family income group showed significantly higher value of total lipid, triacylglycerol, cholesterol and phospholipid in their breast milk. Mothers belonging to the upper age group (30-35 years), had significantly lower lipid values. Mother's as well as father's education also affects the lipid composition of breast milk, because educated mothers and educated fathers are more concerned about proper care during pregnancy and lactation. Also educational level is related with family income. These findings suggest that family income and family education makes a significant contribution to higher lipid content in breast milk of urban mothers in Bangladesh.