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Dehydration among lactating mothers in the A mazon: A neglected problem
Author(s) -
Rosinger Asher
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
american journal of human biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.559
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1520-6300
pISSN - 1042-0533
DOI - 10.1002/ajhb.22672
Subject(s) - dehydration , hum , chemistry , food science , biochemistry , art , performance art , art history
Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare hydration status between lactating and non‐lactating women in the hot‐humid Amazon. Methods Fifty‐four women (15–81 years) from two villages at different distances to the market provided urine samples, anthropometric measurements, and health recalls. Urine samples were analyzed for urine specific gravity (USG). Bivariate and multiple linear and logistic regressions tested differences in USG and dehydration (USG > 1.020) between women of different lactating status. Results Lactating women (1.024 g/ml; 78% dehydrated) had significantly higher USG levels ( β = 0.004; P = 0.011) than non‐lactating women (1.020 g/ml; 50% dehydrated) and were significantly more likely to be dehydrated adjusting for covariates (OR: 4.05; 95% CI 1.1–14.7). Conclusions Women living in hot‐humid rural environments with minimal access to clean water are at greater risk of dehydration when breastfeeding. Future research should examine lactating women longitudinally and assess whether chronic dehydration affects breast milk composition. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 27:576–578, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.