The Deuterium Oxide–to-the-Mother Method Documents Adequate Breast-Milk Intake among Sri Lankan Infants

BACKGROUND: The WHO recommends that exclusive breastfeeding should last up to 6 mo. However human milk intake of Sri Lankan infants has not been quantified scientifically. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to measure the human milk intake of Sri Lankan infants during the first 6 mo of age and to document the breastfeeding practices of their mothers. METHODS: Forty-eight healthy mother-infant dyads were randomly recruited for this cross-sectional study at well-baby clinics. Milk intake was measured using the deuterium oxide-to-the-mother technique over a period of 2 wk. Information on breastfeeding practice and living standards of the participants were gathered using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Human milk intake was 672 +/- 123 g d(-1) (mean +/- SD) 776 +/- 212 g d(-1) and 801 +/- 51 g d(-1) for infants 81% intended to continue exclusive breastfeeding until 6 mo of age. CONCLUSION: This study for the first time documented the adequacy of breast-milk intake among Sri Lankan infants and the nutrition status of the mothers. (c) 2015 American Society for Nutrition.