Purpose: Essential fatty acids are critical for brain growth and neurodevelopment in infancy. Maternal diet and supplement use have a significant impact on the fat composition of human milk. The objective of this study is to assess supplement utilization patterns and fatty acid and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations in the breast milk of women following vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore diet patterns. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational study of 74 lactating women in the United States following a vegan (n?=?26), vegetarian (n?=?22), or omnivore (n?=?26) diet pattern. A single breast milk sample was collected from each participant and assessed for fatty acids and BDNF. Results: Median unsaturated fatty acids in the breast milk of vegan, vegetarian, and omnivores, as a percentage of total fatty acids, was 66.0, 57.8, and 56.2%, respectively (p?
