Effect of Moringa olifera Leaf Extract on the Levels of Key Electrolytes (Na, K, Ca and Iron) of Breast Milk in Wistar Rats Model.

Abstract

Breast milk electrolyte composition is a critical determinant of neonatal physiological stability, influencing fluid balance, neurodevelopment, and metabolic function. However, maternal micronutrient deficiencies remain prevalent in resource-limited settings, often compromising the mineral quality of breast milk across lactational stages. This study investigated the effect of Moringa oleifera leaves extract on the levels of key electrolytes (sodium, calcium, potassium, and iron) in breast milk—colostrum, transitional, and mature milk with the aim of evaluating its potential as a natural nutritional intervention.
Study Design and Methods
A total of 72 Wistar rats comprising of 24 males and 48 females divided into 6 groups of 8 females and 4 males per group in the ratio of 2:1 was used for the study. Moringa oleifera was administered to groups A, B,C,D,E and F. Group F, control was given rat chow and water only. A and C received 75 mg/kg b.wt of Moringa oleifera leaf extract from14 days before mating then from second stage of pregnancy till weaning and paturition respectively, group E received100mg/kg b.wt of Moringa oleifera leaf extract from second stage of pregnancy till weaning and from paturition till weaning respectively. Group D received 20mg/kg b.wt of domperidone from paturition till weaning. All administration were through oral route. The total duration of the study was approximately 60 days. At the end of the treatments, milk samples were collected for biochemical analyses of samples were collected across all lactational stages for biochemical analysis of Sodium, potassium, calcium and iron . Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 (IBM, USA, 2018), One-way ANOVA Followed by Post HOC Fishers LSD multiple comparison, Mean ± SEM and significance level was set at p<0.05.
Results
Results demonstrated that Moringa oleifera supplementation induced significant, stage-specific alterations in electrolyte composition. Potassium levels were markedly elevated in colostrum, suggesting enhanced early lactational electrolyte enrichment, while sodium levels were modulated across lactation stages. In contrast, iron concentrations were not significantly altered in colostrum but showed a significant reduction in transitional and mature milk at higher doses, indicating a dose-dependent effect likely mediated by phytochemical interactions affecting mineral bioavailability.
These findings highlight the dual role of Moringa oleifera as both a potent lactogenic agent and a modulator of breast milk electrolyte composition. While its benefits in enhancing early milk quality are evident, the observed reduction in iron at later stages underscores the need for dose optimization. This study provides novel evidence supporting the targeted use of Moringa oleifera in maternal nutrition strategies aimed at improving neonatal health outcomes.