Abstract
High rates of oxidative stress are common in preterm born infants and have short- and long-term consequences. The antioxidant properties of human milk limits the consequences of excessive oxidative damage. However, as the mother’s own milk it is not always available, donor milk may be provided as the best alternative. Donor milk needs to be pasteurized before use to ensure safety. Although pasteurization is necessary for safety reasons, it may affect the activity and concentration of several biological factors, including antioxidants. This literature review describes the effect of different pasteurization methods on antioxidant properties of human milk and aims to provide evidence to guide donor milk banks in choosing the best pasteurization method from an antioxidant perspective. The current literature suggests that Holder pasteurization reduces the antioxidant properties of human milk. Alternative pasteurization methods seem promising as less reduction is observed in several studies.
Highlights
Excessive oxidative stress, the release of ample reactive oxygen species (ROS) in reaction to a broad range of stressors, is common in preterm born infants
As adequate concentrations of antioxidants are absent in preterm born infants, they are highly susceptible to damage from oxidative stress
During Holder pasteurization, human milk is heated in a water bath to 62.5 ◦ C for 30 min, and subsequently cooled to approximately 4 ◦ C [33]
Summary
The release of ample reactive oxygen species (ROS) in reaction to a broad range of stressors, is common in preterm born infants. They are often exposed to stressors including infections, oxygen supplementation, phototherapy, and parenteral nutrition. As adequate concentrations of antioxidants are absent in preterm born infants, they are highly susceptible to damage from oxidative stress. They have an impaired ability to increase the synthesis of antioxidants [2]. Preterm infants have an increased risk of developing oxidative stress-related diseases, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, periventricular leukomalacia, and retinopathy of prematurity [3,4,5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
