Human Milk output among mothers previously treated for severe acute malnutrition in childhood in Democratic Republic of Congo

Background Malnutrition is a public health problem, as wasting affects 7.5% of children worldwide. The harmful effects of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) can last a lifetime, but how SAM in childhood affects later breastfeeding ability is not clear. In the present study, we assessed the human milk output and body composition among mothers with a history of childhood SAM. Methods This retrospective cohort study was carried out in Miti-Murhesa Health Zone (Democratic Republic of Congo) from January 15 to March 17, 2020. We selected lactating mothers with breastfed infants aged 2-12 months. Two categories of mothers were included: those who had been treated for SAM during their childhood (years 1988-2003; n = 39) and a community control with no history of SAM (n = 40). The weight, height, and mid-upper arm circumference were measured and body mass index (BMI) calculated as weight/height(2). Body composition and human milk output were assessed using standard deuterium dilution methods. Student t and chi(2) tests ware applied to compare two groups. Results The mean age +/- standard deviation of the mothers was 24.4 +/- 5.1 and 26.0 +/- 6.1 years for the SAM and control groups, respectively (p = 0.186). The age of their infants was 5.4 +/- 2.3 months in both groups (p = 0.962). In the SAM and control groups, the mean maternal BMI was 23.8 +/- 2.3 and 23.6 +/- 3.7 kg/m(2) (p = 0.849), mean Fat Mass 27.1% +/- 5.0 and 27.1% +/- 5.8% (p = 0.708), and the mean Fat Free mass 72.9% +/- 5.0 and 72.9% +/- 5.8% (p = 0.998), respectively. Human milk output was 833.7 +/- 152.1 g/d in SAM group and 827.4 +/- 171.4 g/d in the control group (p = 0.864). Conclusions We found no significant difference in human milk output and body composition in mothers treated for SAM during childhood compared to community controls.