<![CDATA[Background: Fat is a major macronutrient in breast milk, and its concentration varies according to multiple factors, including stage of lactation, time of collection, milk fraction, feeding duration, maternal diet, and maternal body mass index (BMI). Alterations in breast milk fat composition may influence infant growth patterns and long-term metabolic health. This study aimed to examine the association between maternal BMI and the fat content of expressed breast milk. Methods: An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted at the Medical Basic Chemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sriwijaya. Breast milk samples were obtained from 63 breastfeeding mothers in Palembang City, comprising 30 mothers with normal BMI and 33 mothers with obese BMI. Breast milk fat concentration was measured using the glycerol-3-phosphate oxidase–phenol aminophenazone (GPO-PAP) method. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test. Results: The mean fat concentration of breast milk from mothers with normal BMI was 3786.7±743.2 mg/dL, whereas that from mothers with obese BMI was 4339.2±958.0 mg/dL. A statistically significant difference in fat concentration was observed between the two groups (p=0.014). Conclusion: Maternal BMI is significantly associated with the fat content of expressed breast milk, with higher fat concentrations observed in mothers with obese BMI. These findings imply that maternal nutritional status should be considered in lactation counseling and infant feeding practices, particularly to optimize infant growth and metabolic outcomes.]]>
Copyrights © 2026
