Breast Milk Composition Research Articles

Lactobacillus Bacteria in Breast Milk

Breast milk is an optimal food for infants and toddlers. The composition of breast milk changes over time and adapts to the needs of the developing organism, satisfying nutritional needs at an early stage of growth and development. An important component of breast milk is the probiotic microflora. These microorganisms have multidirectional pro-health effects. The number of lactic acid bacteria, including Lactobacillus, colonizing the breast milk environment and their species diversity varies and depends on many factors, both maternal and environmental. The aim of our study is to assess the presence of Lactobacillus bacteria in breast milk samples and present the current understanding of probiotic bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus in breast milk. Research hypothesis: Bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus are present in the composition of breast milk. Our research are conducted on the group of breastfeeding women on various stages of lactation. We use techniques of bacterial cultivation on microbiological media and identification of microorganisms using the MALDI Biotyper IVD mass spectrometry. Up to date our research indicates the presence of Lactobacillus bacteria in approx. 30% of breast milk samples. Among the bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus, the most common are: L. gasseri and L.paracasei. Only some of the breastfeeding women contain Lactobacillus bacteria in breast milk.

Breast milk stem cells: Are they magic bullets in neonatology?

Each mammal produces milk specific to its newborn that meets all nutritional needs. Breast milk is not only a secretory product but is also a complex liquid containing several components that provide enteral nutrition. The stage of lactation, the fullness of the breast, the feeding of the baby, and the health of the mother during the breastfeeding period cause differences in the composition of breast milk. Although the positive effects of breast milk on the physical and intellectual development of a child in the short and long term have been known for centuries, its mechanism has not been elucidated. Stem cells are defined as the cells that possess specific markers and have not undergone differentiation. Under suitable conditions and stimuli, they can differentiate into desired cells. The detection of stem cells, whose exact origin is not known, in breast milk and their demonstration in the baby's body have prompted the necessity of exploring the possible role of stem cells in the treatment of diseases. In this review, breast milk-derived stem cells and their possible role in neonatology are discussed.

Impact of maternal obesity and prebiotic supplementation on select maternal milk microRNA levels and correlation with offspring outcomes.

Breast milk composition varies with maternal factors including diet and confers health benefits to the neonate; however, the mechanisms mediating this protection remain incompletely understood. Our aim was to investigate the effects of supplementing a maternal high-fat/sucrose (HFS) diet with prebiotic oligofructose (OFS) on milk composition in rats and associations with offspring body composition and gut microbiota. Obese Sprague-Dawley dams consumed a control, HFS, HFS + OFS (10 % wt/wt) or HFS diet weight-matched to the HFS + OFS group (HFS-WM) during pregnancy and lactation. Pups were weaned onto a HFS diet on day 21. Milk was collected at weaning and analysed for protein, leptin and microRNA (miRNA) levels. Milk produced by HFS dams contained less protein than milk from lean controls which was normalised by OFS. Six miRNA (miR-222, miR-203a, miR-200a, miR-26a, miR-27a and miR-103) were differentially expressed in milk according to maternal diet. Milk leptin content was positively correlated with maternal body fat and faecal Enterobacteriaceae in male offspring at 24 weeks of age. Milk protein content was inversely associated with maternal body fat and body weight. miR-200a was positively associated with maternal body fat and Enterobacteriaceae in female offspring at 24 weeks of age. Correlations between milk protein and multiple milk miRNA and offspring body composition and gut microbiota differed by sex. Overall, our results suggest that obesogenic diets and prebiotic supplementation can alter the protein and miRNA levels in breast milk in rats and these milk components may explain, in part, the influence of these maternal diets on offspring body composition.

Early initiation of breastfeeding and gut microbiota of neonates: A literature review

PurposeThe purpose of this systematic review is to examine a study of early initiation of breastfeeding for the development of neonatal intestinal microbiota. MethodThe method used was an online database that has been published. Keywords used include breast milk composition; compare breastfed and formula-fed (breastmilk and formula milk); gut microbiota in infants; early initiation. ResultsBased on the review of 12 selected articles, it was found that breast milk contains various prebiotics that can be transmitted to infants through breastfeeding. The dominant prebiotics is Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and Staphylococcus spp. which has different amounts depending on the type of breast milk provided. ConclusionBreastfeeding has many benefits, especially for the baby's immunity and digestion. Giving early initiation of breastfeeding means giving breastfeeding early in life so that it greatly affects the development of good bacterial colonies in infants.

Toxic metals in human milk in relation to tobacco smoke exposure

Several reports confirm the deleterious effects of tobacco smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) resulting in changes in the composition of breast milk. The aim of our study was to compare the levels of selected essential, as well as, toxic metals found in colostrum (collected at day 1 ± 2 post-birth) and mature milk (1 month ± 7 days post-birth) of nonsmoking women (n = 52) compared to those found in women who smoke tobacco (n = 51) and women exposed to second-hand smoke during pregnancy and lactation (n = 47). Women's non-smoking or smoking status was determined by their responses to a questionnaire, including questions about others who may smoke in the home environment, and confirmed by measurement of cotinine in the blood serum by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (F-AAS) techniques were used to determine the metal concentrations in colostrum and mature milk previously digested by a microwave mineralizer. We confirmed that exposure to tobacco smoke increases concentrations of heavy metals (cadmium and lead) in colostrum and mature milk. These increased concentrations of heavy metals may disturb the action of bioactive substances necessary for the optimal growth and development of newborns and infants. These findings support the need for increased concern and information to lactating women about preventing their exposure to cigarette smoking and SHS due to the adverse effects of tobacco smoke on breast milk with added risks to their infants.

Breast Milk: A Source of Functional Compounds with Potential Application in Nutrition and Therapy.

Breast milk is an unbeatable food that covers all the nutritional requirements of an infant in its different stages of growth up to six months after birth. In addition, breastfeeding benefits both maternal and child health. Increasing knowledge has been acquired regarding the composition of breast milk. Epidemiological studies and epigenetics allow us to understand the possible lifelong effects of breastfeeding. In this review we have compiled some of the components with clear functional activity that are present in human milk and the processes through which they promote infant development and maturation as well as modulate immunity. Milk fat globule membrane, proteins, oligosaccharides, growth factors, milk exosomes, or microorganisms are functional components to use in infant formulas, any other food products, nutritional supplements, nutraceuticals, or even for the development of new clinical therapies. The clinical evaluation of these compounds and their commercial exploitation are limited by the difficulty of isolating and producing them on an adequate scale. In this work we focus on the compounds produced using milk components from other species such as bovine, transgenic cattle capable of expressing components of human breast milk or microbial culture engineering.

Acute changes to breast milk composition following consumption of high-fat and high-sugar meals.

Breast milk composition is influenced by habitual diet, yet little is known about the short‐term effects of changes in maternal diet on breast milk macronutrient concentrations. Our aim was to determine the acute effect of increased consumption of sugar/fat on breast milk protein, lactose and lipids. Exclusively breastfeeding women (n = 9) were provided with a control, higher fat (+28 g fat) and higher sugar (+66 g sugar) diet over three separate days at least 1 week apart. Hourly breast milk samples were collected concurrently for the analysis of triglycerides, cholesterol, protein, and lactose concentrations. Breast milk triglycerides increased significantly following both the higher fat and sugar diet with a greater response to the higher sugar compared to control diet (mean differences of 3.05 g/dL ± 0.39 and 13.8 g/dL ± 0.39 in higher fat and sugar diets, respectively [P < 0.001]). Breast milk cholesterol concentrations increased most in response to the higher sugar diet (0.07 g/dL ± 0.005) compared to the control (0.04 g/dL) and the higher fat diet (0.05 g/dL) P < 0.005. Breast milk triglyceride and lactose concentrations increased (P < 0.001, P = 0.006), whereas protein decreased (p = 0.05) in response to the higher fat diet compared to the control. Independent of diet, there were significant variations in breast milk composition over the day; triglycerides and cholesterol concentrations were higher at end of day (P < 0.001), whereas protein and lactose concentrations peaked at Hour 10 (of 12) (P < 0.001). In conclusion, controlled short‐term feeding to increase daily sugar/fat consumption altered breast milk triglycerides, cholesterol, protein and lactose. The variations observed in breast milk protein and lactose across the 12 h period is suggestive of a circadian rhythm.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yeast-Based Supplementation as a Galactagogue in Breastfeeding Women? A Review of Evidence from Animal and Human Studies.

Perceived insufficient milk production (PIM) adversely affects breastfeeding duration. Women sometimes use galactagogues with the intent to increase breast milk production and support lactation. Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast-based supplement (SCYS) is an inactive form of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast (SCY) either obtained from the fermentation process or grown on molasses. Anecdotal evidence suggests SCYS is a galactagogue. SCYS is promoted on the internet as a galactagogue in various forms and doses. Dietary supplementation with SCYS during gestation and lactation significantly increases milk yield in ruminants. No human study has evaluated efficacy of SCYS as a galactagogue. SCYS is rich in B vitamins, beta-glucan, mannan oligosaccharides and bioavailable chromium; these may impact breast milk production or composition, thus may alleviate PIM. The safety of taking SCYS during lactation is not well studied. Studies have reported contamination of SCYS with ochratoxin A (OTA) as well as minor side effects from SCYS. Studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of SCYS on breast milk production and composition and to assess the safety of taking SCYS during lactation in humans.

Current Perspective of Sialylated Milk Oligosaccharides in Mammalian Milk: Implications for Brain and Gut Health of Newborns.

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are the third most abundant solid component after lactose and lipids of breast milk. All mammal milk contains soluble oligosaccharides, including neutral milk oligosaccharides (NMOs) without sialic acid (Sia) moieties and acidic oligosaccharides or sialylated milk oligosaccharides (SMOs) with Sia residues at the end of sugar chains. The structural, biological diversity, and concentration of milk oligosaccharides in mammalian milk are significantly different among species. HMOs have multiple health benefits for newborns, including development of immune system, modification of the intestinal microbiota, anti-adhesive effect against pathogens, and brain development. Most infant formulas lack oligosaccharides which resemble HMOs. Formula-fed infants perform poorly across physical and psychological wellbeing measures and suffer health disadvantages compared to breast-fed infants due to the differences in the nutritional composition of breast milk and infant formula. Of these milk oligosaccharides, SMOs are coming to the forefront of research due to the beneficial nature of Sia. This review aims to critically discuss the current state of knowledge of the biology and role of SMOs in human milk, infant formula milks, and milk from several other species on gut and brain health of human and animal offspring.

The Triad Mother-Breast Milk-Infant as Predictor of Future Health: A Narrative Review.

The benefits of human milk for both mother and infant are widely acknowledged. Human milk could represent a link between maternal and offspring health. The triad mother-breast milk-infant is an interconnected system in which maternal diet and lifestyle might have effects on infant’s health outcome. This link could be in part explained by epigenetics, even if the underlining mechanisms have not been fully clarified yet. The aim of this paper is to update the association between maternal diet and human milk, pointing out how maternal diet and lifestyle could be associated with breast-milk composition, hence with offspring’s health outcome.

Tandem Breastfeeding: A Descriptive Analysis of the Nutritional Value of Milk When Feeding a Younger and Older Child.

Breastfeeding is a gold standard of feeding of newborns and infants. Tandem breastfeeding (TBF) is feeding two children of different ages at the same time. The knowledge about the composition of human milk in prolonged lactation is still scarce. Milk from tandem breastfeeding women and after weaning was examined. Milk samples were collected from 13 TBF mothers. A 24-h milk collection was done. Analyses of fat, protein, carbohydrate and energy content were performed using MIRIS. Sociodemographic characteristics of TBF mothers was done. Higher fat content, energy value and total protein concentration was found in TBFM milk during tandem breastfeeding, than in milk after weaning the older child. The carbohydrate content remained stable. The composition of breastmilk, in terms of macronutrients, changes after weaning, taking into account the nutritional requirements of the younger child. The milk of nursing mothers in tandem did not show diurnal variability in individual components. These findings suggest an adaptive role of human milk to nutrient requirements of newborn and older children. The results may support the promotion of long breastfeeding, including tandem breastfeeding.

Human milk oligosaccharides, infant growth, and adiposity over the first 4 months of lactation.

The relationship between human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and infant growth and adiposity is not fully understood and comprehensive studies are missing from the current literature. We screened and recruited 370 healthy, pregnant women and their infants from seven European countries. Breastmilk samples were collected using standardized procedures at six time points over 4 months, as were infant parameters. Correlations and associations between HMO area under the curve, anthropometric data, and fat mass at 4 months were tested. Lacto-N-neotetraose had a negative correlation with the change in length (rs = -0.18, P = 0.02). Sialyllacto-N-tetraose c (LSTc) had a positive correlation with weight for length (rs = 0.19, P = 0.015). Infants at the 25th upper percentile were fed milk higher in 3'-sialyllactose and LSTc (P = 0.017 and P = 0.006, respectively) compared to the lower 25th percentile of the weight-for-length z-score gain over 4 months of lactation. No significant associations between growth and body composition and Lewis or secretor-dependent HMOs like 2'-fucosyllactose were identified. Changes in the HMO composition of breastmilk during the first 4 months appear to have little influence on infant growth and body composition in this cohort of healthy mothers and infants. Modest associations exist between individual HMO and infant growth outcomes at least in healthy growing populations. Our study provides a comprehensive investigation of associations between all major HMO and infant growth and adiposity including several time points. Certain groups of HMOs, like the sialylated, may be associated with adiposity during the first months of lactation. HMO may modulate the risk of future metabolic disease. Future population studies need to address the role of specific groups of HMOs in the context of health and disease to understand the long-term impact.

Macro and micromineral in commercial infant formula milk in Indonesia by neutron activation analysis

The content of protein and minerals in infants formula milk is composed based on the composition of breast milk that provides adequate nutritional requirements for food intake in infants. Minerals as in macro and microminerals are essential for biological processes since they involve bone mineralization, enzymatic reactions, secretion of natural hormones, cells and lipid protection. The composition of macro and micromineral is one indicator in influential the quality of formula milk. Therefore, in this activity, the determination of macro and micromineral elements in infant formula milk was carried out by Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) method and evaluated formula milk by considering the concentration of daily nutritional requirements. Formula milk samples were obtained in Indonesian market. The samples were irradiated on a lazy susan system at TRIGA 2000 Bandung Reactor with a neutron flux of ˜ 1013 n.cm−2.s−1 for three days. The validation method was also carried out using Typical Diet standard reference material. The validation results have a good agreement with the certificate value with bias (%) ranging from 0.6 to 6.9. Determination of macro and micromineral nutrients using NAA method resulted K, Na, Fe, Se, and Zn with an average value were 0.66%; 0.25%; 82.7 µg/g; 0.14 µg/g; and 34.7 µg/g respectively. These values were still within the concentration ranges as stated in nutritional labelled by manufacturers. The daily intake of macro and micromineral K, Na, Fe, Se, and Zn were 5150, 5110, 65, 0.11, and 27 mg/day, respectively. By consuming tolerable amounts of infant formula milk, this commodity is a source of nutrition that required by the infant’s nutritional adequacy rate.

Effect of omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy and lactation on the fatty acid composition of breast milk in the first months of life: a narrative review

Omega-3 long-chain, polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential, so they must be provided through the diet, as their biological synthesis is limited, making it essential to meet their requirements during physiological stages such as pregnancy and lactation. A narrative review was conducted on the effects of omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy and lactation on the fatty acid composition of breast milk in the first months of life. Eight randomized clinical studies were analyzed, showing a significant increase in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) concentration in breast milk (BM) post-supplementation, compared to control groups. One study evaluated the dose needed to achieve 8 % DHA in erythrocytes and 1 % DHA in BM, reaching these levels with a supplementation close to 1 g of docosahexaenoic acid + eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Finally, a trial was found that used supplementation with small lipid contributions (0,59 g α-linolenic acid (ALA)), without generating significant changes in the DHA composition of LM, but in the ALA content. Therefore, it is inferred that omega-3 supplementation beneficially modifies DHA and EPA levels in the composition of BM in pregnant women and during the lactation stage, although further studies are needed to identify doses, times, beneficial effects on development, and more efficient forms of delivery of omega-3 supplementation.

Volume, ingredient composition and energy value of breast milk in healthy nursing mothers

Volume, ingredient composition and energy value of breast milk in healthy nursing mothers

Knowledge and Consumption Practices on Probiotics in Selected Low to Middle-Income Class Filipino Mothers in an Urban City

Objective. Mothers are exposed to various functional food components, including probiotics, which have a direct effect on the quality of their breast milk. Probiotics enhance the microbial composition of breast milk, making it more beneficial for the infant’s gut health. This study aimed to explore the extent of knowledge and dietary practices on probiotics among low- to middle-income healthy Filipino mothers in an urban area.Methods. Data was gathered using three focus group discussions (FGD) participated in by low- to middle-income healthy Filipino mothers residing in Barangays West Rembo and Rizal in Makati City, Philippines. Prior to the FGD, preliminary interviews of selected participants and market surveys were done to determine the food items to be included in the FGD questionnaire.Results. A total of 19 mothers participated in the FGDs. The most common probiotic sources identified were yogurt, fermented milk product (Yakult), miso and tausi. The most consumed probiotic source was fermented milk product (94.7% of participants), at least once a month; followed by powdered milk (78.9%), consumed daily. The most commonly reported influence for consumption of these food items was advertisements from television (89.5%). About 53% of the participants related probiotics to better digestion and increased immunity as heard from advertisements and through counselling by physicians. When asked to elaborate on how probiotics influence digestion and immunity, almost all participants had difficulty explaining the benefits.Conclusion. Although majority of the participants consumed food sources of probiotics, they had limited knowledge on its other non-food sources and benefits. In addition, the consumed food source was confined to the food item that was most advertised on television. Thus, there is a need for health and nutrition experts to exert a stronger influence in the community by disseminating information regarding probiotics.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE DIET QUALITY INDEX IN NURSING MOTHERS AND THE FATTY ACID PROFILE OF MATURE BREAST MILK.

ABSTRACTObjective: To evaluate the relationship between the maternal diet quality and the fatty acid composition of breast milk in the first trimester of lactation.Methods: This is an observational cross-sectional epidemiological study of nursing mothers. The data collection instruments were a semi-structured questionnaire for sample characterization and a recall of usual intake. Diet quality was assessed based on the healthy eating index (HEI). Samples of mature breast milk were obtained by hand milking. Milk fat was extracted using the Bligh-Dyer method and methylated with 0.25 mol/L sodium methoxide in methanol diethyl ether. A gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector determined the milk fatty acid profile. Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation tests evaluated association between the variables. Subsequently, a multiple linear regression model was built and multivariate regression analysis was applied.Results: Our findings revealed an inverse relationship between the consumption of total fruits and the polyunsaturated fatty acid profile and a direct association of the intake of total fruits and total grains with monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids.Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that maternal diet quality affects the fatty acid composition of breast milk.

Valerian treatment during the postpartum period alters breast milk composition and impairs long-term memory in female rat offspring.

Maternal anxiety symptoms in the perinatal period might have long-term health effects on both the mother and the developing child. Valerian is a phytotherapeutic agent that is widely used for the treatment of anxiety. This study investigated the effects of valerian treatment in postpartum rats on maternal care, toxicity, and milk composition. Postnatal development, memory, and anxiety behavior in the offspring were also assessed. Postpartum Wistar rats received the valerian (500, 1000, or 2000 mg·kg-1·day-1) by oral gavage. Clinical and biochemical toxicity was evaluated with commercial kits. Maternal behavior was observed daily. Milk composition was analyzed by colorimetric methods. Physical and neuromotor tests were used to analyze postnatal development. Anxiolytic activity was assessed by the elevated plus maze, and memory was evaluated by the step-down inhibitory avoidance task. Maternal toxicity and care behavior were not altered by the treatment, while only the highest dose promoted a significant increase of lactose, and the doses 1000 and 2000 mg·kg-1·day-1 promoted a reduction of protein contents in milk. Postnatal development was similar in all offspring. Adult offspring did not display altered anxiety behavior, while long-term memory was impaired in the female adult offspring by maternal treatment with 1000 mg·kg-1·day-1. These results suggested that high doses of valerian had significant effects on important maternal milk components and can cause long-term alterations of offspring memory; thus, treatment with high doses of valerian is not safe for breastfeeding Wistar rat mothers.

Impact of Maternal Obesity on the Metabolism and Bioavailability of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding.

Prenatal and postnatal development are closely related to healthy maternal conditions that allow for the provision of all nutritional requirements to the offspring. In this regard, an appropriate supply of fatty acids (FA), mainly n-3 and n-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), is crucial to ensure a normal development, because they are an integral part of cell membranes and participate in the synthesis of bioactive molecules that regulate multiple signaling pathways. On the other hand, maternal obesity and excessive gestational weight gain affect FA supply to the fetus and neonate, altering placental nutrient transfer, as well as the production and composition of breast milk during lactation. In this regard, maternal obesity modifies FA profile, resulting in low n-3 and elevated n-6 PUFA levels in maternal and fetal circulation during pregnancy, as well as in breast milk during lactation. These modifications are associated with a pro-inflammatory state and oxidative stress with short and long-term consequences in different organs of the fetus and neonate, including in the liver, brain, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue. Altogether, these changes confer to the offspring a higher risk of developing obesity and its complications, as well as neuropsychiatric disorders, asthma, and cancer. Considering the consequences of an abnormal FA supply to offspring induced by maternal obesity, we aimed to review the effects of obesity on the metabolism and bioavailability of FA during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with an emphasis on LCPUFA homeostasis.

Lactobacillus Bacteria in Breast Milk.

Breast milk is an optimal food for infants and toddlers. The composition of breast milk adapts to the needs of the developing organism, satisfying nutritional needs at an early stage of growth and development. The results of research to date have shown that breast milk is the best food for a child, containing not only nutrients but also biologically active substances that aid in the optimal, proper growth and development of infants. Among the many components of breast milk, an important element is the probiotic microflora, including bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus spp. These organisms exert a multidirectional, health-promoting effect on the body of children who consume breast milk. The number of lactic acid bacteria, including Lactobacillus, colonizing the breast milk environment and their species diversity varies and depends on many factors, both maternal and environmental. Breast milk, as a recommended food for infants, is an important source of probiotic microflora. The aim of this study was to present the current understanding of probiotic bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus present in breast milk.