Alpha-Lactalbumin Levels in Breastmilk of Breastfeeding Mothers in Makassar City, Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction: Alpha-lactalbumin level is only one part of a complex component of HAMLET (Human alpha-lactalbumin made lethal to tumor cell) in breastmilk which became an anti-cancer perspective. This research aimed to measure the breastmilk alpha-lactalbumin levels in breastfeeding mothers according to a group of children under two years-old with assessing the nutritional status of the breastfeeding mothers. Method: The research used analytical survey method with cross sectional study design and performed in Sudiang Raya and Sudiang Health Centers working areas in Makassar City. Research population consisted of all breastfeeding mothers in those areas. Samples were recruited purposively regarding to the inclusion criteria including mothers of breastfed children aged 2 weeks-24 years who lived in research area and approved the informed consent. We obtained 146 samples by this method and the parameters assessed were maternal and children characteristics, as well as the alpha-lactalbumin levels of the breastmilk. Data analysis were performed using SPSS according to the data types with significance of p<0,05. The alpha-lactalbumin levels were measured using ELISA method in the Laboratory of Hasanuddin University Hospital. Results: The results showed that alpha-lactalbumin levels were significantly different in each toddler levels, with the highest level was found in children <6 months old. However, alpha-lactalbumin levels were not significantly different in based on the maternal nutritional status. Conclusion: Further research is needed to investigate the correlation between alpha-lactalbumin levels with nutritional intake.