Carotenoids and Polyphenols in Breast Milk Composition: Effects on Infant Health

Abstract

Breast milk is the most ideal food for infants in the first months of life, fulfilling all their needs on its own. In addition to the nutritional components in breast milk, the bioactive components contained in breast milk are of great importance for ensuring optimal growth and development of infants. Phytochemicals are also important bioactive components in the composition of breast milk. They are defined as secondary plant metabolites that offer health benefits, such as protection against oxidative stress and inflammation. These compounds are absorbed into the body through the diet of the nursing mother and are excreted in breast milk. Among these metabolites, polyphenols and carotenoids are particularly important phytochemical components found in breast milk. This review evaluates the carotenoid and polyphenol content of breast milk and the potential benefits of these phytochemicals for infants. The study encompasses a review of the literature regarding the presence of polyphenols and carotenoids in breast milk, the nutrients associated with these bioactive components, and their effects on infant health. Further research is needed to better understand the role that phytochemicals can play in infant health and to enhance knowledge about the unique composition of breast milk. In this context, conducting comprehensive studies is essential.

Keywords

• Breast milk
• infants
• phytochemical
• carotenoid
• polyphenol

Anne Sütü Bileşimindeki Karotenoidler ve Polifenoller: Bebek Sağlığı Üzerine Etkileri

Abstract

Anne sütü yaşamın ilk aylarında bebeğin ihtiyaçlarını tek başına karşılayan, bebek için en ideal besindir. Bebeklerin optimal büyüme ve gelişmesini sağlamak için anne sütündeki besleyici özellikte bileşenlerin yanı sıra anne sütünün içerdiği biyoaktif bileşenler de büyük önem arz etmektedir. Fitokimyasallar da anne sütünün bileşiminde bulunan önemli biyoaktif bileşenlerdendir. Fitokimyasallar, oksidatif strese ve inflamasyona karşı koruma gibi sağlık yararları olan ikincil bitki metabolitleri olarak tanımlanmakta, emziren annenin diyeti ile vücuda alınarak, anne sütüne geçişi olmaktadır. Bu metabolitler arasında özellikle polifenoller ve karotenoidler, anne sütünde bulunan önemli fitokimyasal bileşenlerdendir. Bu derlemede anne sütünün karotenoid ve polifenol içeriği ve anne sütünde bulunan bu fitokimyasalların bebekler için olası faydaları değerlendirilmektedir. Araştırma kapsamında anne sütündeki polifenol ve karotenoid içerik, bu biyoaktif bileşenlerin hangi besinlerde olduğu ve bebeğin sağlığı üzerindeki etkisini içeren literatür taranmıştır. Fitokimyasalların bebek sağlığında oynayabileceği rolü daha iyi anlamak ve anne sütünün benzersiz bileşimi hakkındaki bilgileri geliştirmek için daha fazla araştırmaya ihtiyaç vardır.

Keywords

• Anne sütü
• infant
• fitokimyasal
• karotenoid
• polifenol

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