Composition of premature breast-milk during lactation: constant digestible protein content (as in full term milk)

Abstract

There is much discussion about the protein requirements of (very) preterm infants. The protein content of breast milk plays an important role in this discussion. For this reason, we took a close look at the protein content and its composition in premature breast milk. Complete 24 h expressions-were examined using the Kjedahl method, GPC, SDS-PAGGE and nephelometric detection of sIgA. Colostrum of premature breast milk contains a large amount of undigestible proteins, up to 70% of true protein, which decreases to 20–40% in transitory and mature preterm milk. The NPN fraction of mature preterm breast milk was, dependent on the degree of prematurity 20–25%; increasing during lactation from about 18% to 22–26%. This means that, depending on the lactation period only 30–60% of the total protein content of breast milk is available for body protein synthesis. In absolute amounts, digestible protein is reasonably stable during lactation.