Lactoferrin Quantification in Human Colostrum from Indian Mothers’ and its Association with Several Maternal and Neonatal Parameters

Lactoferrin is an iron binding glycoprotein found in several body fluid including saliva, tears, bile, synovial fluids, plasma and especially in breast milk and even the human colostrum contains highest quantity of it. It has some proven role in protecting infants from neonatal sepsis and GI related issues which are the most dominant cause of neonatal mortality. There are several factors which influence the quantity of Lactoferrin in human colostrum among which neonatal infection, gestational age, parity, allergic response and maternal diet impacts in a positive way. The present study aims to quantify the amount of lactoferrin present in the human colostrum and to find out the co-relation between several maternal and neonatal parameters. A total of 5 ml. colostrum was collected from the lactating mothers till day 4 of delivery based on the availability and secretion of colostrum. The study was conducted in the Indian Medicine Wings of Sir Sunderlal Hospital of Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. A total of 150 mothers were included in the study among them 195 mothers were able to produce sufficient colostrum and the sample was collected from them through manual process by a trained person. After collection the samples are immediately stored in the -20-degree freezer for further use. The samples were cold centrifuged twice at 4 degrees centigrade in 3500g to separate the interfering substances then Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was performed. Nutrient analysis was done using 24-hour dietary re-call method. Other data was collected using a self-structured questionnaire by interview schedule method. Results were analyzed in SPSS software (27 version) and expressed in percentage and association was established using a co-relation test. A p value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. The study shows a positive co-relation between iron and fat intake with the concentration of colostrum (p<0.05). Gestational age of the mothers also a contributing factor. The present study suggests that lactoferrin concentration varies due to several maternal and neonatal factor. Although more research required to establish or support and refute the factors effecting the lactoferrin concentration.