| Abstract: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 57 lactating mothers were randomly allocated into two groups to receive
a daily supplement of synbiotic (n = 30) which contained different probiotic strains (2.0 108 CFU) and fructooligosaccharide (394 mg) or a
placebo (n = 27) for 30 days. Dietary intake was collected from lactating women by 24-hour recall method. Breast milk selenium contents were
determined by atomic absorption spectrometry with graphite furnace. Weight for age Z-score (WAZ) and Height for age Z-score (HAZ) were
evaluated for infants. Data analyses were assessed using nutritionist IV, Epi Info and SPSS software and presented as mean ± sd or SEM.
The total mean breast milk selenium levels were 50.1 ± 16.1 mcg L1. At the baseline, the mean breast milk selenium concentrations in the
synbiotic and placebo groups were 51.7 ± 20.2 and 48.5 ± 12.1 mcg L1. The mean breast milk selenium levels increased and decreased in the
symbiotic and placebo groups respectively, which were not significant (p > 0.05). Also, comparison of the changes in breast milk selenium
concentration showed no significant difference between the two study groups after the intervention. At the baseline, the mean WAZ and HAZ of
infants whose mothers’ milk selenium was more than 60 mcg/l was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than for others. In this pilot study, no
significant effect was observed by synbiotic supplementation, however, for concise conclusion, more human studies with higher doses of
supplements and longer duration of supplementation are needed to determine the effects of synbiotic supplementation on breast milk
selenium contents and infants’ growth |