FAD2 and FUT1 Gene Expression in Breastmilk Cells are Associated with Maternal Dietary Intake

Toto Sudargo (Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang, Jl. Kedungmundu No.18, Kedungmundu, Kec. Tembalang, Kota Semarang, Jawa Tengah 50273)
Ali Rosidi (Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang, Jl. Kedungmundu No.18, Kedungmundu, Kec. Tembalang, Kota Semarang, Jawa Tengah 50273)
Atika Anif Prameswari (Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Mulyorejo, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia)
Bianda Aulia (Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Airlangga, Mulyorejo, Surabaya 60115, Indonesia)
Adisti Qamahadlina Larasati (Department of Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Andalas, Limau Manis, Padang 25163, Indonesia)
Mutia Ulfah (Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Sleman, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia)
Shofarina Adilah (Department of Nutrition and Health, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Jl. Farmako, Sekip Utara, Sleman, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia)
Sri Sugiharti (Center of Population Research, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jalan Jenderal Gatot Subroto Kav. 10, Jakarta Selatan. Indonesia)
Urip Tri Wijayanti (Center of Population Research, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jalan Jenderal Gatot Subroto Kav. 10, Jakarta Selatan. Indonesia)
Sheila Rosmala Putri (Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Jl. Flora Bulaksumur, Karang Malang, Caturtunggal, Depok, Sleman, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia)
Rio Jati Kusuma (Department of Nutrition and Health, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Jl. Farmako, Sekip Utara, Sleman, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia)
Uliana Noor Setiawati Ulvie (Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Jl. Flora Bulaksumur, Karang Malang, Caturtunggal, Depok, Sleman, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia)

Jurnal Media Gizi Indonesia (MGI)
Vol. 21 No. 3 (2026): MEDIA GIZI INDONESIA

Background: Breastfeeding provides babies with the best nutrients possible and is essential for promoting their development. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the connection between the expression of the fatty acid desaturase (FAD) and FUT genes in breast milk cells and the nutritional status, dietary consumption, and growth of the newborn. Methods: In Jombang, East Java, Indonesia, 52 pairs of nursing women and their babies participated in a cross-sectional study. Breast milk samples were collected for mRNA expression analysis using RT-qPCR, while dietary, sociodemographic, anthropometric, and child growth data were assessed using standardized protocols. Results: The majority of mothers had inadequate energy (78.8%) and protein (42.3%) intake, while 76.9% met adequate iron intake. Higher maternal energy (69.5% vs. 59.5%, p<0.001), protein (95.5% vs. 80.3%, p=0.033), and iron intake (136% vs. 105%, p=0.023) were significantly associated with increased FUT1 gene expression. Additionally, higher FAD2 gene expression was linked to increased maternal energy intake (p=0.045) and older maternal age (p=0.004). Interestingly, FUT3 gene expression was elevated in mothers of lower-birth-weight infants (3003 ± 551 g vs. 3302 ± 411 g, p=0.031). Conclusions: These findings emphasize the influence of maternal nutrition on functional gene expression in breastmilk, with potential implications for infant health and development.