Concentrations of Some Biochemical Parameters in Breast Milk of a Population of Nigerian Nursing Mothers Using Hormonal Contraceptives

Abstract

Breast milk contains the entire essential nutrients needed by neonates for growth, development and maintenance of healthy tissue. However, previous reports suggest that several classes of contraceptives induce changes in the concentrations of protein, carbohydrate and lipid macromolecules to varying degrees thus raising serious concerns on the safety and possible detrimental consequences on neonatal well- being. Breast milk obtained from eighty-two (82) lactating mothers using hormonal contraceptives (test) and one hundred (100) lactating mothers not using any hormonal contraceptive devices (control) aged 26-46yrs in two selected facilities in Ibadan, South West, Nigeria were analyzed for glucose, phosphate, Triglyceride (TG), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn) and Selenium (Se) concentrations using standard methods. Results obtained from this study showed significant decrease in means of glucose (p<0.01) and phosphate (p<0.01) content of breast milk obtained from of mothers in the test group was observed when compared with values from the corresponding controls. Significant increase in means of calcium and albumin were observed in the breast milk of lactating mothers using hormonal contraceptives when compared with the respective means of corresponding control. However, no significant changes in means of TG, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn and Se in the breast milk samples of test subjects were seen when values were compared with respective corresponding control. Significant reduction in breast milk glucose in lactating mothers using hormonal contraceptives could negatively impact infants thriving on exclusive breast feeding.