Correlation between maternal hemoglobin and serum transferrin receptor with lactoferrin concentration in breastfeeding mothers

Background
Human milk is rich in both nutrient and non-nutrient content which leads to many benefits for the growth and development of children’s and mothers’ bodies. Lactoferrin is one of the main proteins contained in human milk, and the factors that affect its concentration are important to comprehend.

Objectives
This study aimed to analyze the correlation between hemoglobin and serum transferrin receptor with lactoferrin concentration in human milk.

Material and methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted from September to November 2017. The subjects were 79 pregnant mothers in three working areas of the primary health centers in Semarang City, Indonesia. Hemoglobin and serum transferrin receptor data was obtained from blood during the third trimester of pregnancy, while lactoferrin concentration was measured in milk after delivery. Hemoglobin concentration was measured using cyanmethemoglobin, serum transferrin receptor concentration using enzyme--linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and lactoferrin concentration using a human lactoferrin ELISA. Data analysis was performed with Spearman's rank correlation coefficient using SPSS version 23.

Results
There was no correlation between maternal hemoglobin and lactoferrin concentration (p = 0.636). There was also no correlation between serum transferrin receptor and lactoferrin concentration (p = 0.688). Hemoglobin and serum transferrin receptors did not affect the concentration of lactoferrin in breastfeeding mothers.

Conclusions
The mechanism of lactoferrin homeostasis in human milk is still not completely understood. Further studies on this are important in order to promote a better quality of health for mothers and their children.