Effect of a Flaxseed-Enriched Beverage on Breast Milk Composition

Un equipo de investigadores de Universidad Zamorano con apoyo del Institute for Technology in Health Care (ITHC) developed a powdered horchata-style beverage enriched with flaxseed for breastfeeding women. The goal was to build a nutritional option around a traditional drink that people already know. The beverage provides essential fatty acids, which women often don't get enough of at this stage.

Participants liked the beverage even with up to 17% flaxseed. It has a fat profile that is good for heart health and for the baby's brain development. Tests also showed that the product is safe to eat and keeps its quality for several months in storage.

These findings point to a practical, low-cost way to improve the nutrition of breastfeeding mothers in Honduras. It uses local ingredients and a drink people already know. The team is from Zamorano's Agroindustry Department: Dr. Adriana Hernández-Santana, Eng. Andrea Herrera, Eng. Camila Solórzano, Eng. Sandra Espinoza, and Dr. Luis Maldonado. The study was published in the journal Acta Agronómica.