trans Fatty Acids in Colostrum,Mature Milk and Diet of Lactating Adolescents

The purpose of this study was to investigate the trans fatty acids (TFA) content and distribution in colostrum, mature milk, and diet of adolescent mothers, after TFA declaration in food labels became mandatory in Brazil. Participants were healthy adolescents (n 54, 15–19 years, 1–90 days postpartum) practicing exclusive breastfeeding. Milk samples were collected 3 days after delivery (colostrum) and in the third month postpartum (mature milk) by hand expression. The fatty acid composition of the milk samples was determined by gas chromatography. TFA intake corresponded to 1.23 % of total energy value. Total 18:2 TFA accounted for less than 0.5 % of the energy intake. The amount of total 18:1 TFA (mean ± SEM) was 1.9 % ± 0.14 in colostrum and 1.5 % ± 0.2 in mature milk. The total content of n‐3 PUFA was inversely correlated with the total content of 18:1 TFA in colostrum. Both in colostrum and in mature milk, vaccenic acid (11t‐18:1) was found to be the most abundant 18:1 trans isomer, followed by elaidic acid (9t‐18:1), whereas rumenic acid (9c,11t‐18:2 CLA) was the predominant 18:2 trans isomer. In conclusion, the levels of TFA of industrial sources found in the mother's diet and breast milk (colostrum and mature milk) showed a decrease in relation to those observed in studies conducted prior to the TFA labeling resolution in Brazil. However, the current low intake levels of n‐3 LCPUFA and DHA content in the milk of lactating adolescents may be insufficient for supporting adequate neurological development of the infants.     

Development of Industrially Scalable Method for Phospholipids and Branch-Chain Fatty Acids of Dairy by-Product

Dairy phospholipids (PL) is of interest due to their health benefits and functional properties. Solvent fractionation of PL has not been commonly used in the dairy industry to fractionate milk fat to obtain or concentrate the PL. The total lipid extracted from the β stream, a waste by-product of dairy processing, was used in this study to investigate suitable solvent and conditions to separate the neutral lipid from PL. A fixed lipid solvent ratio (1:10 g/v) was used at various fractionation temperatures (−20, 2, 15, 23, 40, and 60 °C) depending on the solvents. The use of acetone at 23 °C, not at the lower temperatures, led to a dairy lecithin product with high PL content, such as 71.5%. The more aqueous ethanol, i.e. at 70% concentration compared to 95%, was able to preferentially extract PL to form products with up to 74.7% PL, but the PL yield was much lower (26.3%) compared to acetone precipitation (97.9%). The enrichment of branch chain fatty acids proved to be very challenging due to the overlapping melting points with other fatty acids. The composition of the major fatty acids of polar and neutral lipids also showed interesting patterns that may indicate different nutritional and oxidative properties of the fractionated products.     

Identification of n‐6 Monounsaturated Fatty Acids in Acer Seed Oils

Seed oils from Acer species are a potential source of the nutraceutical fatty acids, nervonic acid (cis‐15‐tetracosenoic acid, NA), and γ‐linolenic acid (cis‐6,9,12‐octadecatrienoic acid, GLA). To further characterize the genus, seed fatty acid content and composition were determined for 20 species of Acer. Fatty acid content ranged from 8.2% for Acer macrophyllum to over 36% for A. mono and A. negundo. The presence of very‐long‐chain fatty acids (VLCFA), with chain length of 20‐carbons or greater, and GLA were characteristic features of the seed oils. In all species, erucic acid (cis‐13‐docosenoic acid, EA) was the predominant VLCFA with the highest level of NA being only 8.6% in A. olivianum. Regioselective lipase digestion demonstrated that VLCFA are largely absent from the sn‐2 position of seed triacylglycerol, whereas GLA is primarily located at this position. Five Acer species contained low levels (<2%) of cis‐12‐octadecenoic acid and cis‐14‐eicosenoic acid, uncommon n‐6 fatty acids not previously reported from Acer.     

The Role of Cholesterol and Fatty Acids in the Etiology and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders whose pathogenesis seems to be related to an imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory synapses, which leads to disrupted connectivity during brain development. Among the various biomarkers that have been evaluated in the last years, metabolic factors represent a bridge between genetic vulnerability and environmental aspects. In particular, cholesterol homeostasis and circulating fatty acids seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of ASDs, both through the contribute in the stabilization of cell membranes and the modulation of inflammatory factors. The purpose of the present review is to summarize the available data about the role of cholesterol and fatty acids, mainly long-chain ones, in the onset of ASDs. A bibliographic research on the main databases was performed and 36 studies were included in our review. Most of the studies document a correlation between ASDs and hypocholesterolemia, while the results concerning circulating fatty acids are less univocal. Even though further studies are necessary to confirm the available data, the metabolic biomarkers open to new treatment options such as the modulation of the lipid pattern through the diet.     

The Impact of a Ketogenic Diet and Liver Dysfunction on Serum Very Long-Chain Fatty Acids Levels

Peroxisomes play an essential role in mammalian cellular metabolism, particularly in oxidation fatty acid pathways. Serum very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA), the main biochemical diagnostic parameters for peroxisomal disorders, were examined in 25 neurological patients with epilepsy on a ketogenic diet and 27 patients with liver dysfunction. The data show that patients on a ketogenic diet have increased levels of C22:0 and C24:0, but not C26:0, and normal C24:0/C22:0 and C26:0/C22:0. Patients with liver insufficiency showed a slightly elevated level of C26:0, a normal level of C24:0 and a decreased level of C22:0; thus in 21/27 the ratio of C24:0/C22:0 was increased and 15/27 the ratio of C26:0/C22:0 was increased.     

Phospholipids and Fatty Acids Affect the Colonization of Urological Catheters by Proteus mirabilis

Proteus mirabilis-mediated CAUTIs are usually initiated by the adherence of bacteria to a urinary catheter surface. In this paper, three isolates of different origin and exhibiting different adhesion abilities were investigated in search of any changes in lipidome components which might contribute to P. mirabilis adhesion to catheters. Using GC-MS and LC-MS/MS techniques, 21 fatty acids and 27 phospholipids were identified in the examined cells. The comparison of the profiles of phospholipids and fatty acids obtained for catheter-attached cells and planktonic cells of the pathogens indicated C11:0 and PE 37:2 levels as values which could be related to P. mirabilis adhesion to a catheter, as well as cis C16:1, PE 32:0, PE 33:0, PE 38:2, PG 33:1, PG 34:0, PE 30:1, PE 32:1 and PG 30:2 levels as values which could be associated with cell hydrophobicity. Based on DiBAC₄ (3) fluorescence intensity and an affinity to p-xylene, it was found that the inner membrane depolarization, as well as strong cell-surface hydrophobicity, were important for P. mirabilis adhesion to a silicone catheter. A generalized polarization of Laurdan showed lower values for P. mirabilis cells attached to the catheter surface than for planktonic cells, suggesting lower packing density of membrane components of the adherent cells compared with tightly packed, stiffened membranes of the planktonic cells. Taken together, these data indicate that high surface hydrophobicity, fluidization and depolarization of P. mirabilis cell membranes enable colonization of a silicone urinary catheter surface.     

Cytokines-Biogenesis and Their Role in Human Breast Milk and Determination

Cytokines play a huge role in many biological processes. Their production, release and interactions are subject to a very complex mechanism. Cytokines are produced by all types of cells, they function very differently and they are characterized by synergism in action, antagonism, and aggregation activity, opposing action of one cytokine, overlapping activity, induction of another cytokine, inhibition of cytokine synthesis at the mRNA level as well as autoregulation-stimulation or inhibition of own production. The predominance of pro-inflammatory cytokines leads to a systemic inflammatory response, and anti-inflammatory-to an anti-inflammatory response. They regulate the organism’s immune response and protect it against sudden disturbances in homeostasis. The synthesis and activity of cytokines are influenced by the central nervous system through the endocrine system (pituitary gland, adrenal glands).     

Diet,Plasma, Erythrocytes,and Spermatozoa Fatty Acid Composition Changes in Young Vegan Men

There has been increasing interest in vegan diets, but how this dietary pattern regulates tissue fatty acids (FA), especially in men, is unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of a vegan diet on plasma, erythrocyte, and spermatozoa FA composition in young men. Two groups consisting of 67 young (18–25 years old) men were studied. One group following an omnivore diet but did not consume fish, shellfish or other marine foods (control, n = 33), and another group following a vegan diet (vegan, n = 34) for at least 12 months were compared. Dietary intake was assessed via a food frequency questionnaire and a 24-h recall. FA composition was measured in plasma, erythrocyte phospholipids, and spermatozoa by gas–liquid chromatography. Compared to controls, the vegan group had higher reported intakes of carbohydrate, dietary fiber, vitamins (C, E, K, and folate), and minerals (copper, potassium) but lower intakes of cholesterol, trans FA, vitamins B₆, D, and B₁₂, and minerals (calcium, iron, and zinc). Vegan's reported a lower saturated FA and not arachidonic acid intake, both groups did not intake eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), but vegan's showed a higher alpha linolenic acid ALA intake. Vegans had higher plasma, erythrocyte phospholipid, and spermatozoa ALA, but lower levels of other n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), especially DHA. Vegans were characterized by higher ALA, but lower levels of other n-3 PUFA, especially DHA in plasma, erythrocytes, and spermatozoids. The biological significance of these findings requires further study.     

Stereospecific analysis of phospholipid classes in rat muscle

The fatty acid and dimethyl acetal (DMA) compositions of the sn‐1 and the sn‐2 positions from individual phospholipid (PL) classes [phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylinositol (PI)], obtained from the Longissimus dorsi muscle of rat were studied. The profile of fatty acids and DMA in the sn‐1 and sn‐2 positions of all the PL classes showed marked differences. Overall, saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids were in a higher proportion in the sn‐1 position than in the sn‐2 one, while polyunsaturated fatty acids were mainly in the sn‐2 position. Significant differences in the DMA and fatty acid compositions between individual PL classes for each position were found. PC contained the highest proportion of palmitic acid (16:0) in the sn‐1 position and of linoleic acid (18:2 n‐6) in the sn‐2 one. The highest values for stearic acid (18:0) and DMA in the sn‐1 position and for docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n‐3) in the sn‐2 position were found in PE. PS and PI showed the highest proportion of oleic acid (18:1 n‐9) in the sn‐1 position and of arachidonic acid (20:4 n‐6) in the sn‐2 position.     

Phospholipids in Milk Fat: Composition,Biological and Technological Significance,and Analytical Strategies

Glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids are quantitatively the most important phospholipids (PLs) in milk. They are located on the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) and in other membranous material of the skim milk phase. They include principally phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine, while sphingomyelin is the dominant species of sphingolipids There is considerable evidence that PLs have beneficial health effects, such as regulation of the inflammatory reactions, chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activity on some types of cancer, and inhibition of the cholesterol absorption. PLs show good emulsifying properties and can be used as a delivery system for liposoluble constituents. Due to the amphiphilic characteristics of these molecules, their extraction, separation and detection are critical points in the analytical approach. The extraction by using chloroform and methanol, followed by the determination by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), coupled with evaporative light scattering (ELSD) or mass detector (MS), are the most applied procedures for the PL evaluation. More recently, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (NMR) was also used, but despite it demonstrating high sensitivity, it requires more studies to obtain accurate results. This review is focused on milk fat phospholipids; their composition, biological activity, technological properties, and significance in the structure of milk fat. Different analytical methodologies are also discussed.     

Identification of Aromatic Fatty Acids in Butter Fat

Bovine milk fat contains a large variety of structurally different fatty acids. In this study, we describe the presence of aromatic fatty acids in a butter fat sample. Fatty acids were released from butter fat and converted into the corresponding methyl esters (FAME). Urea complexation was used to separate the main saturated fatty acids. GC/MS screening of the FAME in the filtrate of the urea complexation indicated the presence of aromatic fatty acids. By (1) conversion of two representatives into picolinyl esters which were analyzed by GC/MS, (2) linear log t_R over carbon number plots (R² = 0.95) and by the use of two reference standards we were able to show that the phenyl unit was located on the terminal carbon of the straight acyl chain of the FAME. In a fraction gathered by countercurrent chromatography we were able to identify 3‐phenylpropionic acid (Ph‐3:0), 4‐phenylbutyric acid (Ph‐4:0), 5‐phenylpentanoic acid (Ph‐5:0), 6‐phenylhexanoic acid (Ph‐6:0), 7‐phenylheptanoic acid (Ph‐7:0), 8‐phenyloctanoic acid (Ph‐8:0), 9‐phenylnonanoic acid (Ph‐9:0), 10‐phenyldecanoic acid (Ph‐10:0), 11‐phenylundecanoic acid (Ph‐11:0), 12‐phenyldodecanoic acid (Ph‐12:0), 13‐phenyltridecanoic acid (Ph‐13:0), along with one unsaturated phenyldecenoic acid (Ph‐10:1) isomer. Preliminary results indicate that the aromatic fatty acids may have been formed exogenously in the rumen of the cows. The total amount of the aromatic fatty acids was estimated at 0.15 mg/g butter fat, which corresponds with an average daily intake of ~5 mg per day in Germany and ~4.4 mg per day in Europe.     

New and Uncommon Fatty Acids in Lipids of Deep-Sea Foraminifera

Fatty acids (FA) of agglutinating foraminifera of two genera, Bathysiphon and Rhabdammina, collected from a depth of 3307–3377 m in the Kuril Basin, Sea of Okhotsk, and adjacent deep‐sea waters of the Pacific Ocean, were analyzed. In lipids of two Bathysiphon species, in addition to common FA typical for marine organisms, the uncommon ?4 and ?7 monoenoic acids and ?4,7‐dienoic acid were found in noticeable amounts. FA of two Rhabdammina species included also such uncommon acids as ?5,8,11,14–21:4, ?5,8,11,14–22:4, and ?5,8,11,14–23:4, which are homologues to arachidonic acid. High levels of cis‐vaccenic and arachidonic acids were typical for lipids of all the studied species. At the same time, we observed a substantial difference in FA composition between members of these two genera. Using GC and GC–MS of FAME, pyrrolidide and DMOX derivatives, the structures of 10 new FA were confirmed: ?4‐i‐16:1 (1.1–0.6%), ?7‐i‐21:1 (0.4%), ?7‐ai‐21:1 (0.3–0.8%), ?4,11–18:2 (0.3–0.9%), ?4,7–20:2 (8.8%), ?7,12–20:2 (0.4–0.6%), ?4,7–21:2 (0.6%), ?7,12–22:2 (6.4–2.1%); ?5,8,11,14–22:4 (1.2–2.0%), and ?5,8,11,14–23:4 (1.7–2.3%). The origin of the new FA and the role of foraminifera FA in deep‐sea communities are discussed.     

The Divergent Immunomodulatory Effects of Short Chain Fatty Acids and Medium Chain Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are derived from diet and fermentative processes by the intestinal flora. Two to five carbon chain fatty acids, termed short chain fatty acids (SCFA) are increasingly recognized to play a role in intestinal homeostasis. However, the characteristics of slightly longer 6 to 10 carbon, medium chain fatty acids (MCFA), derived primarily from diet, are less understood. Here, we demonstrated that SCFA and MCFA have divergent immunomodulatory propensities. SCFA down-attenuated host pro-inflammatory IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα response predominantly through the TLR4 pathway, whereas MCFA augmented inflammation through TLR2. Butyric (C4) and decanoic (C10) acid displayed most potent modulatory effects within the SCFA and MCFA, respectively. Reduction in TRAF3, IRF3 and TRAF6 expression were observed with butyric acid. Decanoic acid induced up-regulation of GPR84 and PPARγ and altered HIF-1α/HIF-2α ratio. These variant immune characteristics of the fatty acids which differ by just several carbon atoms may be attributable to their origins, with SCFA being primarily endogenous and playing a physiological role, and MCFA exogenously from the diet.     

Ground Beef High in Total Fat and Saturated Fatty Acids Decreases X Receptor Signaling Targets in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Men and Women

We hypothesized that consumption of saturated fatty acids in the form of high‐fat ground beef for 5 weeks would depress liver X receptor signaling targets in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and that changes in gene expression would be associated with the corresponding changes in lipoprotein cholesterol (C) concentrations. Older men (n = 5, age 68.0 ± 4.6 years) and postmenopausal women (n = 7, age 60.9 ± 3.1 years) were assigned randomly to consume ground‐beef containing 18% total fat (18F) or 25% total fat (25F), five patties per week for 5 weeks with an intervening 4‐week washout period. The 25F and 18F ground‐beef increased (p < 0.05) the intake of saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, palmitic acid, and stearic acid, but the 25F ground‐beef increased only the intake of oleic acid (p < 0.05). The ground‐beefs 18F and 25F increased the plasma concentration of palmitic acid (p < 0.05) and decreased the plasma concentrations of arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenic acids (p < 0.05). The interventions of 18F and 25F ground‐beef decreased very low‐density lipoprotein C concentrations and increased particle diameters and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐I‐C and LDL‐II‐C concentrations (p < 0.05). The ground‐beef 25F decreased PBMC mRNA levels for the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding cassette A, ATP binding cassette G1, sterol regulatory element binding protein‐1, and LDL receptor (LDLR) (p < 0.05). The ground‐beef 18F increased mRNA levels for stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1 (p < 0.05). We conclude that the increased LDL particle size and LDL‐I‐C and LDL‐II‐C concentrations following the 25F ground‐beef intervention may have been caused by decreased hepatic LDLR gene expression.     

Fatty Acids in Liver,Muscle and Gonad of three Tropical Rays including Non-Methylene-Interrupted Dienoic Fatty Acids

Scientific investigation of lipids in Elasmobranchs has been conducted mainly on shark species. Because rays seem to be neglected, this study was performed to examine the complete fatty acid (FA) composition with a particular interest for long-chain polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) content in different tissues of three ray species including parts usually discarded. The total FA and PUFA profiles of total lipids were determined in muscle, liver, and gonad of Rhinobatos cemiculus, Rhinoptera marginata, and Dasyatis marmorata, the most often caught ray species from the East Tropical Atlantic Ocean. Fifty FA were characterized as methyl esters and N-acyl pyrrolidides by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, showing significant levels of 20:5n-3 (EPA) (up to 5.3%) and 22:5n-3 (DPA) (up to 7.3%), high levels of 20:4n-6 arachidonic (ARA) (4.8–8.6% of total FA) and 22:6n-3 (DHA) (up to 20.0%). The results show that muscle, liver and gonad of rays can provide high amounts of essential PUFA, specially DHA, for direct human nutrition or the food processing industry. High proportions of DHA were particularly found in all samples of R. cemiculus (11.6–20.0%), and in muscle and liver of D. marmorata (11.1–16.1%). Regarding the high amounts of (n-3) PUFA, this study shows that these rays deserve a better up-grading, including the normally discarded parts, and describes the occurrence of unusual NMID FA in all tissues studied. Five non-methylene-interrupted dienoic fatty acids (NMID FA) (0–3.4%) were reported, including previously known isomers, namely 20:2 Δ7,13, 20:2 Δ7,15, 22:2 Δ7,13, 22:2 Δ7,15, and new 22:2 Δ6,14. These acids are quite unusual in fish and unprecedented in rays. The 22:2 Δ6,14 acid occurred in gonads of male specimens of R. cemiculus at 2.9%.     

Dietary Supplementation of Tetracarpidium conophorum (African Walnut) Seed Enhances Muscle n‐3 Fatty Acids in Broiler Chickens

The influence of dietary Tetracarpidium conophorum (African Walnut) seed meal (TCSM) on fatty acids, productivity parameters, and physicochemical properties of breast and thigh muscles in broiler chickens are assessed. A total of 180, 28‐d‐old Arbor acre broiler chickens are randomly assigned to dietary treatments containing 0% (control), 2.5%, and 5% w/w TCSM, fed for 28 d, and euthanized. Dietary TCSM reduces (p < 0.05) feed intake, body weight gain (BWG), carcass weight, and abdominal fat. Diet does not affect feed efficiency and hematological parameters. The control birds have higher (p < 0.05) serum total cholesterol and triglycerides than do the supplemented birds. Diet has no effect on pH, water holding capacity, carbonyl and malondialdehyde contents, and organoleptic properties of breast and thigh muscles. The 5% TCSM has higher redness in breast muscle than do other treatments. Dietary TCSM improves (p < 0.05) the concentration of C18:3n‐3 (4.80–8.76% vs 1.56%), C20:5n‐3 (0.54–0.79% vs 0.39%), C22:5n‐3 (0.64–0.89% vs 0.18%), and C22:6n‐3 (0.75–0.97% vs 0.19%), and reduces (p <  0.05) the fat content (2.15–2.45% vs 3.15%) in breast and thigh muscles. Dietary TCSM enhances muscle n‐3 fatty acids without instigating oxidative deterioration, but reduces BWG in broiler chickens. Practical Application: Albeit that broiler meat is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), its omega 6 (n‐6)/omega 3 (n‐3) is >4. Elevated n‐6/n‐3 could have adverse effect on human physiology thereby promoting the pathogenesis of certain diseases. This heightens the need to enhance the n‐3 PUFA content of broiler meat. Dietary TCSM induced up to a fourfold increase in n‐3 PUFA content of the breast and thigh muscles in broiler chickens. Moreover, dietary TCSM induced up to a tenfold decrease in the n‐6/n‐3 of the breast and thigh muscles in broiler chickens. This finding assumes great significance because the health concerns regarding dietary fat are the foremost factors responsible for the bad image suffered by meat. These results provide insights on the potential of TCSM to improve the nutritional quality without compromising the oxidative shelf life, organoleptic traits, and physicochemical properties of broiler meat.     

Differential Response to an Algae Supplement High in DHA Mediated by Maternal Periconceptional Diet: Intergenerational Effects of n-6 Fatty Acids

Algae high in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may provide a source of long‐chain omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn‐3PUFA) for inclusion in the diet of lambs to improve the LCn‐3PUFA status of meat. The effect of background LCn‐3PUFA status on the metabolism of high DHA algae is, however, unknown. The aim of the current study was to determine whether the response to a high in DHA algae supplement fed to lambs for six weeks prior to slaughter was mediated by a maternal periconceptional diet. Forty Poll Dorset × Border Leicester × Merino weaner lambs were allocated to receive either a ration based on oat grain, lupin grain, and chopped lucerne (control) or the control ration with DHA‐Gold? algae included at 1.92 % DM (Algae) based on whether the dams of lambs had previously been fed a diet high in n‐3 or n‐6 around conception. LCn‐3PUFA concentration was determined in plasma and red blood cells (RBC) prior to and following feeding. The concentrations of EPA and DHA in the plasma and RBC of lambs receiving the control ration were significantly (p < 0.001) lower when lambs received the ration for 14 days compared with pre‐feeding concentrations. The concentrations of EPA and DHA were also significantly (p < 0.001) higher when lambs consumed the Algae ration compared with the control ration for 42 days. The increase in EPA and DHA was, however, significantly (p < 0.05) lower if lamb dams had previously been fed a diet high in n‐6 at conception. Assessing the previous nutrition and n‐3 status of lambs may allow producers to more accurately predict the likely response to supplements high in LCn‐3PUFA, particularly, DHA.     

Trans Fatty Acids and Fatty Acid Composition of Mature Breast Milk in Turkish Women and Their Association with Maternal Diet’s

The aim of this study was to determine the fatty acid composition and trans fatty acid and fatty acid contents of breast milk in Turkish women and to find the effect of breastfeeding mothers’ diet on trans fatty acid and fatty acid composition. Mature milk samples obtained from 50 Turkish nursing women were analyzed. Total milk lipids extracts were transmethylated and analyzed by using gas liquid chromatography to determine fatty acids contents. A questionnaire was applied to observe eating habits and 3 days dietary records from mothers were obtained. Daily dietary intake of total energy and nutrients were estimated by using nutrient database. The mean total trans fatty acids contents was 2.13 ± 1.03%. The major sources of trans fatty acids in mothers’ diets were margarines-butter (37.0%), bakery products and confectionery (29.6%). Mothers who had high level of trans isomers in their milk consumed significantly higher amounts of these products. Saturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids of human milk constituted 40.7 ± 4.7%, 26.9 ± 4.2% and 30.8 ± 0.6% of the total fatty acids, respectively. The levels of fatty acids in human milk may reflect the current diet of the mother as well as the diet consumed early in pregnancy. Margarines, bakery products and confectionery are a major source of trans fatty acids in maternal diet in Turkey.