The level of bile salt-stimulated lipase in the milk of Chinese women and its association with maternal BMI

This study aimed to investigate the bile salt-stimulated lipase (BSSL) concentration in the milk of Chinese women and its correlation with maternal body mass index (BMI), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and gestational hypertensive disorder (GHD). The BSSL levels in the milk samples were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). BSSL level in colostrum milk of mothers with full-term infants was positively correlated with pregnancy week and negatively correlated with maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and BMI late in pregnancy. Moreover, the BSSL concentration in mature milk was positively correlated with BMI gain during pregnancy. The BSSL concentration in colostrum milk was lower in GDM mothers than in normal mothers. The BSSL helps infants digest fat in early life and its level was associated with lactation. The changes in BSSL characteristics with maternal BMI and GDM in this study may have clinical implications regarding the effects of pregnancy weight and metabolism on the nutrition and health of the offspring.