Affiliations: Vestische Kinderklinik Datteln, University
Witten-Herdecke, Dr.-Friedrich-Steiner-Str. 5, 45711 Datteln, Germany | St. Vincenz-Krankenhaus Datteln, Rottstraße 11,
45711 Datteln, Germany
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dr. Petra Niklowitz, Vestische
Kinderklinik Datteln, University Witten-Herdecke, Dr.-Friedrich-Steiner-Str. 5,
D-45711 Datteln, Germany. Tel.: +49 (0)2363/975296; Fax: +49 (0)2363/64211;
E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: In contrast to other lipophilic antioxidants Coenzyme Q10 originates
from food intake as well as from endogenous synthesis. The CoQ10 concentration
and lipid content of maternal milk and maternal plasma was investigated during
early lactation. Breast milk was obtained from 23 women: A: colostrums (24–48
hours postpartum), B: transitional milk (day 7 pp), C: mature milk (day 14 pp).
At the same time capillary blood specimens were collected. Milk and plasma were
stored at −84°C until CoQ10 was analysed after hexane extraction by
HPLC. The lipid content was determined by PAP-analysis of cholesterol. The plasma content of CoQ10 was the highest soon after delivery (A:
1.29, B:1.20, C:1.07 pmol/μl; Wilcoxon p<0.05 A vs. C and B vs. C). This
tendency was still evident after lipid-adjustment (A:209, B:180, C:175 μmol
CoQ10/mol cholesterol; Wilcoxon p<0.01 A vs. B and C). The level of CoQ10 in
milk showed a gradual decline during early lactation (A:0.80, B:0.57, C:0.44
pmol/μl; Wilcoxon p<0.02 A vs. B and C). After lipid-adjustment this
tendency became even more evident (A: 137, B:86, C:67 μmol CoQ10/mol
cholesterol; Wilcoxon p<0.002 A vs. B and C, p<0.05 B vs. C). The content
of CoQ10 in plasma and milk showed a correlation with early milk (Spearman
p<0.005) but not with mature milk. Although lipid content is low the colostrums is a rich source for
the lipophilic antioxidant CoQ10.
