Coenzyme Q concentration and total antioxidant capacity of human milk at different stages of lactation in mothers of preterm and full-term infants

Coenzyme Q(10)(CoQ(10)) in human milk at different stages of maturity in mothers of preterm and full-term infants and its relation to the total antioxidant capacity of milk is described for the first time. Thirty healthy breastfeeding women provided colostrum, transition-milk and mature-milk samples. Coenzyme Q, alpha-, gamma- and delta-tocopherol, fatty acids and the total antioxidant capacity of the milk were analyzed. Coenzyme Q(10) was found at higher concentrations for colostrum ( 0.81 +/- 0.06 vs. 0.50 +/- 0.05 mu mol/l) and transition milk ( 0.75 +/- 0.06 vs. 0.45 +/- 0.05 mmol/l) in the full-term vs. the preterm group ( similar results were found for total antioxidant capacity). Concentrations of a- and g- tocopherol were higher in the full-term group and decreased with time. In conclusion, CoQ(10) is present in breast milk, with higher concentration in mothers of fullterm infants. CoQ(10) in breast milk decreases through lactation in mothers delivering full-term infants. Also, CoQ(10), alpha- and gamma-tocopherol concentration in human milk directly correlates with the antioxidant capacity of the milk.