Researchers from a major Spanish university conducted a comparative analysis of breast milk from omnivorous mothers and those following vegetarian diets. The study found that vegetarian milk often lacked docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), yet overall its composition resembled or even surpassed that of milk from omnivores in several key nutrients. The work was published in the journal Nutrients.
Global health guidelines, including those from the World Health Organization, emphasize exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, with continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods for at least two years. When maternal milk is unavailable, donor milk serves as an option for preterm infants. In some cases, vegetarian donors face restrictions on milk donation, and data on their milk’s makeup remain limited.
The study involved 112 participants in total, with 92 omnivorous mothers and 20 vegetarians. Samples of blood, urine, and milk were collected, and participants completed nutritional, socio-demographic, and health questionnaires to capture a comprehensive picture of dietary patterns and status.
Findings showed the DHA content in vegetarian milk to be significantly lower. Yet the study also noted that heightened nutrition awareness and properly dosed supplements can address this gap, potentially enabling vegetarian donors to contribute milk more broadly. Advisers also encouraged vegetarians and vegans to boost intake of foods rich in linolenic acid, such as flaxseed oil and chia seeds, which can support fatty acid profiles in breast milk.
In terms of fats, vegetarian donors tended to consume less fat overall, with substantially lower saturated fat and cholesterol, and they also exhibited lower levels of trans fats. This resulted in a milk profile richer in beneficial unsaturated fatty acids. Another notable difference was the higher vitamin B12 content observed in vegetarian milk, a consequence of frequent use of B12 supplements among vegetarian populations.
Overall, the research highlights that vegetarian breastfeeding can yield milk with favorable nutritional characteristics, while also presenting areas for improvement through mindful dietary choices and supplementation. The findings underline the importance of dietary planning for vegetarian mothers who wish to support optimal infant nutrition while considering the possibilities of donor milk when needed. This balance can help ensure that all infants receive nutrients essential for growth and development, regardless of dietary pattern.