Colostrum Milk Research Articles

Infant Feeding Practices among Mothers Attending Kanti Children’s Hospital, Kathmandu

Background: Appropriate feeding practices improve health, reduce disease burden and malnutrition. One-third of cases of malnutrition are caused by inappropriate infant feeding, which is one of the world’s biggest issues. The objective of this study was to find out the infant feeding practices among mothers attending Kanti Children Hospital in Kathmandu. 
 Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional research design was used to conduct this study. The study was carried out at Kanti Children’s Hospital, Kathmandu. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was adopted to select 180 respondents. A semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) were used to describe the socio-demographic characteristics of mothers and infants. The inferential statistic (chi square test) was used to determine the relationship between infant feeding practice level and selected variables. 
 Results: The study’s findings revealed that most (91.1%) respondents had good infant feeding practices. More than half (56.9%) of respondents had initiated breastfeeding within one hour of delivery. The most of infants (95.6%) were given colostrum milk. Very few (2.7%) of respondents had given prelacteal feeding to their babies. More than half of respondents (58.9%) had done exclusive breastfeeding, and 54.4% began weaning at six months. Most (75.5%) infants were given dal, rice, or jaulo as their primary food among the complementary foods. Similarly, almost half (42.8%) of babies received their meals at the recommended intervals. 
 Conclusion: Most of the mothers practiced good infant feeding habit. Only few mothers had tried prelacteal feeding. One-third of the infants were bottle-fed. Nearly half of mothers began complementary feeding before six months. It is therefore advised to continue raising awareness about good feeding practices for infants. Emphasis should be given to educating mothers about complementary feeding practices. 
 Keywords: Colostrum, Exclusive Breast Feeding, Infant, Weaning

Improved Glycoqueuing Strategy Reveals Novel α2,3-Linked Di-/Tri-Sialylated Oligosaccharide Isomers in Human Milk.

Sialylated human milk oligosaccharides (SHMOs) possess unique biological activities. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of SHMOs at different lactation stages are limited by interference from neutral oligosaccharides, glycan structural complexity, and low detection sensitivity. Herein, our previously developed glycoqueuing strategy was improved and applied to enable an isomer-specific quantitative comparison of SHMOs between colostrum milk (CM) and mature milk (MM). A total of 49 putative structures were determined, including 1 α2,6-linked and 13 α2,3-linked isomers separated from seven newly discovered SHMO compositions. The content of most oligosaccharides was more than 50% lower in MM than in CM, and α2,3-sialylation was observed in 43.74% of SHMOs from CM and 22.95% of SHMOs from MM. Finally, the fucosylation level of the SHMOs increased from 16.45 to 22.28% with prolonged lactation. These findings provide the basis for further studies on the structure-activity relationship of SHMOs and a blueprint to improve infant formula.

Changes in the Lactoferrin Concentration in the Bovine Colostrum During Postpartum Period

Abstract The health condition of the mammary gland is highly crucial for obtaining good quality colostrum. The lactoferrin (LF), as an iron-binding protein, plays a key role in the defense mechanisms of the mammary gland due to its’ bacteriostatic properties. The study aimed to investigate the factors affecting the LF concentration in the bovine colostrum milk during the postpartum period, and the effect of somatic cell count (SCC) on the LF concentration and milk composition. The cows were randomly selected at a dairy farm in Pelagonia region. Colostrum samples from 12 cows were collected. Samples were taken at different time intervals after parturition, 1, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h after parturition. Cows in their second parity were found to have higher levels of LF compared to cows in the third and higher parity (p>0.05). Time had a significant effect on the LF concentration (p<0.01), with the highest value recorded 1 h after parturition remaining stable for one hour. LF concentration and SCC in the colostrum showed a weak positive correlation (r=0.40; p<0.01). The highest LF concentration was noticed when SCC was above 800,000 cells/mL. In conclusion, the colostrum LF concentration was significantly affected by the interactions of the two factors, i.e., time after parturition and SCC (p<0.05). Milk composition was affected by elevated SCC. Parity showed no association with LF. The SCC can be used as a reliable means of assessing colostrum quality.

A new sight to explore site-specific N-glycosylation in donkey colostrum milk fat globule membrane proteins with glycoproteomics analysis

Donkey colostrum milk fat globule membrane (DCMFGM) proteins are involved in multiple biological functions. However, the effect of N-glycosylation on their physiological properties are unknown. The aim of this study was to map the DCMFGM protein site-specific N-glycosylation landscape using a label-free glycoproteomic approach. A total of 1,443 unique intact N-glycopeptides mapping to 453 unique N-glycosites on 336 N-glycoproteins were identified. The macro- and microheterogeneity of DCMFGM glycoproteins were explored at the N-glycosite level and the site-specific N-glycan level, respectively, and it was found that the N-glycosylation profiles of the DCMFGM proteins varied based on subcellular localisation and protein domain types. Our findings reveal the heterogeneity and functional diversity of N-glycosylation of DCMFGM proteins and provide theoretical support for the promotion of DCMFGM proteins as a functional food ingredient.

The Influence Of Exclusive Breastfeeding On Babies With Mother's Knowledge

Giving of exclusive breastfeeding to infants is a program which is created by the government to prevent and reduce infant mortality. The benefits of breastfeeding protect children from various inflammatory diseases, such as diarrhea, otitis media, and chronic inflammation of the lower respiratory tract. Breast milk colostrum has 10 to 17 times more immune substances than raw milk (Andayani, D, et al, 2017). UNICEF states that exclusive breastfeeding for infants aged 0 to 6 months can prevent the death of at least 1.3 million children under the age of 5 years. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there was knowledge of mothers with exclusive breastfeeding in Lhokseumawe City. The research design is an analytical survey with a cross sectional approach. The population and sample of this study were all mothers who had babies aged 6 to 11 months that visited the Muara Dua Health Center in Lhokseumawe City. The inclusion criteria with a sample size of 62 people. The research used consecutive sampling technique with computer application software. There are two data analysis used in this study, namely univariate analysis and bivariate analysis. The results of study was concluded that there was an influence between mother's knowledge and giving exclusive breastfeeding by showed p-value 0.006 (p<0.05), with mothers who have good knowledge, which are 8,325 times giving exclusive breastfeeding to their babies more than the mothers who have lack of knowledge with a confidence value of 1.638 - 42.315.

Estimation of antioxidant power of human milk from lactating mothers of Rajasthan, India

Human milk supplies all the nutrition and energy that supports the overall development of neonate. It has essential and predominant antioxidant capacity which has a capability to protect infant against all diseases. Present investigation is to analyze the antioxidant power and free radical scavenging activity status in human milk from lactating mothers in the initial period of lactation. Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay and 1, 1-diphenyl- 2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical method were used for this analysis. In colostrum it was remarkably high level of antioxidant capacity and radical scavenging activity than transitional and mature milks. This study showed the significance of breast milk during the initial days of life and the importance of colostrum milk for neonates.

Contamination of breast milk with lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Breast milk is a complete food for the development of the newborn, but it can also be an important route for environmental pollutants transmission to the infants. This study was aimed to evaluate the status of heavy metals including lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) in the breast milk of Iranian mothers. The international databases including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and the Persian electronic databases including Scientific Information Database, IranMedex and Magiran were examined to find relevant articles published until July 2021. A total of 23 studies examined the levels of toxic metals in Iranian breast milk samples. According to the findings, the pooled average concentrations (µg/L) of Pb, Cd, Hg and As were 25.61, 2.40, 1.29 and 1.16, respectively. The concentration of Hg and Pb in colostrum milk was more than twice of mature milk. The Hg mean concentration in the breast milk of mothers with at least one amalgam-filled tooth was approximately three times that of mothers without amalgam-filled teeth. Risk assessment analysis indicated that the intake of Pb and Hg by infants through breastfeeding can be considered a health concern in Iran. It seems necessary to reduce the Pb exposure of pregnant and lactating women in Iran. However, more extensive studies are needed to clarify the toxic metals' exposure status of infants through breast milk in other parts of the country.

Effects of yeast culture supplementation from late gestation to weaning on performance of lactating sows and growth of nursing piglets

Dietary yeast culture supplementation can contribute to the performance and health of sows and piglets, but few studies have focused on the relationships between the effects of yeast culture and gut microbiota. This study investigated the effect of yeast culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation from late gestation to weaning on the reproductive performance of lactating sows and their faecal microbiota. One hundred and six purebred Landrace sows, of parities two to six were selected and randomly assigned to a control (CON) and yeast culture supplementation (YC) groups based on parity and back fat thickness. The YC sows were individually fed with yeast culture at a dose of 24 g/d from day 90 of gestation to parturition and 40 g/d during lactational period. Blood samples were collected from sows on d 110 of gestation and at weaning at day 21 of lactation for plasma hormone and immunoglobulin analysis. Colostrum and milk on day 20 of lactation were collected for composition analysis. Faecal samples from sows on day 110 of gestation and day 20 of lactation were collected for short-chain fatty acid and faecal microbial analysis. Results showed that the farrowing performance of YC sows did not differ significantly from the CON group (P > 0.05). The average daily feed intake by the YC group during the lactation period was significantly increased by 9.98% (P = 0.004), the weaning-to-oestrus interval was shortened by 0.96 d (P = 0.046) and average daily weight gain of piglets increased by 7.14% (P = 0.036) compared with the CON group. Yeast culture supplementation also significantly improved the average daily milk yield in the first week of lactation (P = 0.035), lactose content in colostrum (P = 0.046), protein (P = 0.033) and DM (P < 0.001) content of milk. In the YC group, concentrations of plasma ghrelin (P = 0.02) and IgG (P = 0.015) were increased compared with the CON group, while that of glucagon-like peptide-1 was decreased (P = 0.006) on d 110 of gestation. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that faecal microbiota changed at taxonomic levels with yeast culture addition (P < 0.05). Dietary yeast culture supplementation from late gestation to lactation improved feed intake, immunity status, milk yield, milk quality and faecal microbiota of sows, resulting in the improved growth performance of piglets.

Carbohydrate content of human milk is affected by seasonal variations: a retrospective observational study

The influence of seasonal variation upon human milk macronutrient content has not been elucidated. This study aimed to compare the macronutrient content of HM produced by lactating mothers during the winter and the summer seasons. Macronutrient content of colostrum milk samples collected from lactating mothers of healthy term infants between March 2012 and February 2016 was measured by mid-infrared spectroscopy and compared. The carbohydrate content of the colostrum was significantly higher in the summer season than in the winter season (6.2 ± 1.3 vs. 5.5 ± 1.4, p-value < 0.001). Protein, fat, and energy contents were similar in summer and winter in both groups (protein 2.7 ± 2.1 vs. 2.6 ± 2.2 g/100 ml, fat 2.6 ± 1.9 vs. 2.35 ± 1.9 g/100 ml, and energy 62 ± 19.1 vs. 60.5 ± 21 kcal/100 ml, respectively). The carbohydrate content in colostrum obtained from mothers of term infants was affected by seasonal variations.

Produksi dan Kualitas Kolostrum dan Susu Kolostrum pada Sapi Perah yang Mengkonsumsi Daun Katuk Depolarisasi

This study aims to determine the effect of additional feed with depolarizing katuk leaves on the production and quality of colostrum and colostrum milk in Friesian Holstein dairy cows. There were 21 dairy cows that had just giving birth, divided into 3 groups of 7 each, namely the control group (complete feed), BKD (complete feed added with Depolarizing Katuk Powder), PKD (complete feed added with Depolarizing Katuk Pellet). Depolarizing katuk feed was given 100 grams per head per day as a feed additive. Parameters observed were feed consumption, production and quality of colostrum and colostrum milk. The results showed that there was no difference in the consumption of feed supplemented with depolarizing katuk leaves, colostrum production, milk density, total solid colostrum, Solid non-fat, lactose contents, and protein contents of colostrum and colostrum milk compared to the control group. Significant differences occurred in colostrum milk production, total solid colostrum milk, and fat content of colostrum and colostrum milk. It was concluded that depolarizing katuk leaves could be used as additional feed to increase the production and total solids of colostrum milk, and increase the fat content of colostrum and colostrum milk.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: colostrum, colostrum milk, depolarizing katuk leaf, Friesian Holstein

Effects of colostrum in milk on the effectiveness of the pasteurization process and cheese milk quality

ABSTRACT Colostrum in the milk bulk tank could affect cheese milk and the characteristics of the final product, leading to multiple problems in industrial processes. The objective of this study was to evaluate colostrum concentrations (0%, 1, 5% and 10%) in cheese milk subjected to two discontinuous heat treatments (56°C for 1 h or 63°C for 30 min) on the physicochemical characteristics, cheese-making properties, and the effectiveness of pasteurization. All physicochemical parameters were modified by colostrum , and some of them were varied due to the thermal treatment. Milk rennet coagulation characteristics were no different among the thermal treatments applied when colostrum (up to 10%) was added to the milk. Both thermal treatments had the same effectiveness in reducing total plate count in raw milk without colostrum; however, when colostrum was added, the treatment at 63°C for 30 min proved to be more efficient.

Lactational Changes of Phospholipids Content and Composition in Chinese Breast Milk.

Phospholipids are pivotal polar lipids in human milk and essential for infants’ growth and development, especially in the brain and cognitive development. Its content and composition are affected by multiple factors and there exist discrepancies in different studies. In this study, we determined five major phospholipids classes (phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylcholine, and sphingomyelin) in 2270 human milk samples collected from 0 to 400 days postpartum in six regions of China. The high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with an evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC-ELSD) was performed to quantify the phospholipids. Total phospholipid median (IQR) content was in a range between 170.38 ± 96.52 mg/L to 195.69 ± 81.80 mg/L during lactation and was higher concentrated in colostrum milk and later stage of lactation (after 200 days postpartum) compared with that in the samples collected between 10 to 45 days postpartum. Variations in five major sub-class phospholipids content were also observed across lactation stages (phosphatidylethanolamine: 52.61 ± 29.05 to 59.95 ± 41.74 mg/L; phosphatidylinositol: 17.65 ± 10.68 to 20.38 ± 8.55 mg/L; phosphatidylserine: 15.98 ± 9.02 to 22.77 ± 11.17 mg/L; phosphatidylcholine: 34.13 ± 25.33 to 48.64 ± 19.73 mg/L; sphingomyelin: 41.35 ± 20.31 to 54.79 ± 35.26 mg/L). Phosphatidylethanolamine (29.18–32.52%), phosphatidylcholine (19.90–25.04%) and sphingomyelin (22.39–29.17%) were the dominant sub-class phospholipids in Chinese breast milk during the whole lactation period. These results updated phospholipids data in Chinese human milk and could provide evidence for better development of secure and effective human milk surrogates for infants without access to breast milk.

Parity of Calving Influences the Likelihood of Calves Having Cryptosporidium spp.

The effect of colostrum on calves' health status was intensively studied, while the role of transition milk was left underestimated. The common practice is to feed calves with an adequate amount of colostrum immediately after calving and soon after feeding calves are weaned from dams. In this research, calves were not weaned from dams for at least 2 weeks receiving both colostrum and transition milk on demand. Thus, we have recreated natural feeding conditions for calves' development. We used a stratified sample method to test whether the size of the dairy cattle farms, breed, parity number, season of calving, and length of the dry period affect the likelihood of calves' infection with Cryptosporidium spp. considering these factors influence both colostrum and transition milk quality. The main results showed that 26.1% of calves were positive for the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. The presence of clinical signs of diarrhea was recorded in 15% of the positive animals. Regression analysis showed that multiparous cows decrease the chance of calves to have Cryptosporidium spp. by 82%–89%, while cows calved on small farms decrease the chance of calves to have Cryptosporidium spp. by 80%. We suggest that primiparous cows are spending inner resources primarily on their maturation, thereby leaving the prerequisites for the infection of their offspring, while intense farming just increases the chance of unprotected calves to obtain infections.

Barriers in use of colostrum, Breast milk, and supplemental feed: assessing maternal Knowledge &amp; practices

BACKGROUND &amp; OBJECTIVE: Colostrum and breast milk are not only highly nutritious but also a source of maternal antibodies for infants. We explore maternal awareness and barriers in use of colostrum and breast milk.&#x0D; METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study included mothers of children aged 3 years or less who visited primary care centers in urban and peri-urban areas of Lahore, Pakistan, between December 2020 to March 2021.&#x0D; RESULTS: A total of 384 mothers were included in the study, mean age was 28 years. 47% (n=179) had primary or secondary school education. Higher maternal education (p=0.05) and age were associated with better knowledge about the benefits of colostrum. Reasons for not giving colostrum among mothers without formal education (42%) were “it’s not clean milk”, while 38% of mothers with higher education give a reason they could not feed because find it difficult due to C-section. Use of supplemental feed was noted across all educational levels, 60% mothers with no educational background preferred bovine milk, whereas 79% of highly qualified ones preferred formula milk (p=0.00). The use of formula milk was more frequently observed in families with 100,000 PKR per month and above (p=0.00). 80% of mothers were unaware that bovine milk in infants can lead to anemia.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: There is inadequate knowledge, among mothers of all educational levels with reference to colostrum use and the relationship between consumption of bovine milk by infants and iron deficiency. Measures to improving maternal nutritional awareness and optimize infant feeding practices during antenatal visits are needed.

Relationship of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) levels in breast milk colostrum with the occurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates

Background: Colostrum contains various bioactive compounds that have various roles and potentials in preventing the occurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). EGF and IGF-1 are growth factors found in breast milk colostrum in the form of polypeptides that play a role in regulating and stimulating cell proliferation and differentiation processes. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between EGF and IGF-1 levels in breast milk colostrum with the occurrence of NEC in neonates.&#x0D; Methods: This analytical observational study was conducted at Saiful Anwar Hospital Malang during June-August 2019 on mothers and neonates who were breastfed. Maternal colostrum was collected at 72 hours postpartum, while NEC incidence in infants was determined prospectively. EGF and IGF-1 levels in colostrum were examined using the ELISA method. The data were processed by SPSS 21 program and analyzed using Spearman’s test and logistic regression.&#x0D; Results: 24 mother and baby pair samples were included in the study. The mean level of EGF in maternal colostrum was 466±304 ng/ml, and the mean level of IGF-1 was 1.99±0.96 ng/ml with no significant difference in levels based on gestational age. There is a strong negative correlation between the levels of EGF (r = -0.630; p=0.001) and IGF-1 (r = -0.646; p=0.001) on the occurrence of NEC. With the regression test, there was no significant effect between the levels of IGF-1 (p=0.995) and EGF (p=0.997) on NEC occurrence.&#x0D; Conclusion: EGF and IGF-1 levels have a significant relationship to the occurrence of NEC. The higher levels of EGF and IGF-1 contained in breast milk colostrum reduced the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates.

Influence of Breastfeeding Time on Caloric Composition and IL-10 and TNF-α Cytokines, Fatty Acids, and Triacylglycerol in Human Milk Colostrum in Previous, Intermediate, and Posterior Milk

The composition of human milk (HM) includes changes under the influence of factors such as genetics, stage of lactation, time of day, and even breastfeeding time. However, the authors are not aware of studies that evaluated the influence of breastfeeding time on fatty acid composition and cytokine. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of breastfeeding time (previous, intermediate, posterior milk) on kilocalorie concentration, fatty acid (FA) composition, and concentration of the cytokines interleukin-10 (IL-10), interferons factors for necrotic tumor (TNF-α) in HM colostrum. The results showed that the concentration of kilocalories was higher in posterior milk than in the previous, the composition of the main fatty acids found in the samples was influenced by the breastfeeding time, and the concentration of IL-10 and TNF-α was influenced in all samples with exception to mother 2. The principal component analysis explained 71% of the variances in the results. Thus, we concluded that the breastfeeding time is a factor that influences the concentration of kilocalories, and if it is necessary to use a more caloric milk, it is recommended to use the posterior milk; the FAs composition and the evaluated cytokines were also influenced by the breastfeeding time.

Lipid Profile of Human Milk in Different Lactation Stages Submitted to Pasteurization, Lyophilization and Spray-Drying Processes

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of pasteurization, lyophilization and spray-drying on the lipid profile of donated human milk (DHM) at different lactation stages. Nine frozen samples of colostrum, transitional and raw mature human milk (HM) were collected from the Human Milk Bank (HMB) of the Hospital Universitário de Maringá (HUM). Samples were thawed and pooled according to lactation stage. Thereafter, it was submitted to pasteurization, lyophilization and spray-drying processes and later the fatty acid (FA) composition and the lipid profile analyses were performed. Gas chromatograph (GC) with flame ionization detector (FID) and electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometer (MS) were used, respectively. In the FA composition analysis, it was observed that the same classes of saturated FA (SFA), monounsaturated FA (MUFA) and polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) were preserved throughout the process and in all lactation stages. The lipid profiles were also preserved after processing. Therefore, the lyophilization and spray-drying processes are promising techniques to preserve the DHM in the HMB, once the components evaluated were preserved, and both techniques facilitate the transport and storage, as the techniques reduce the sample volume.

DEVELOPMENT OF A SYSTEM OF INDIVIDUAL CALF DRINKING BASED ON RFID TECHNOLOGIES

The problem of optimizing the breeding of calves in the first days of life, including their drinking, remains one of the main ones. The drinking of calves with colostrum of the mother timely and in sufficient quantity is fundamentally important for a healthy start of their life. Tracking the drinking of calves with colostrum is possible with the use of RFID technologies. They are relevant today with the emergence of an increasing number of new application contexts, more effective labels and integration of new features. (Research purpose) The research purpose is developing a system of individual drinking of calves with colostrum based on RFID technologies. (Materials and methods) During the research the methods based on testing the stable operation of components and software were used in order to simulate the operation of the system in laboratory conditions. (Results and discussion) The article presents a scheme for the distribution of milk colostrum through the delivery vehicles based on a robotic module. This technology will make it possible to deliver maternal colostrum to the calf, automate the process without the use of complex communication systems of high costs and difficulties when installed on farms. The article described a prototype of an automated system that allows registering RFID tags in a database for further information processing and software to obtain and summarize data from RFID tags obtained from a prototype of an automated system. (Conclusions) The use of low-frequency RFID-tags is preferred, as they have better noise immunity, resistant to liquids and metals. Due to the small detection distance (which is required), the probability of errors during reading of the neighboring label decreases.

Secretory immunoglobulin A in preterm infants: determination of normal values in breast milk and stool.

IgA and its secretory form sIgA impact protection from infection and necrotising enterocolitis but little is known about quantities in preterm mums own milk (MOM) or infant stool, onset of endogenous production in the preterm gut, and what affects these. We measured by ELISA in MOM and stool from healthy preterm infants total IgA and sIgA longitudinally and additionally in MOM fresh, refrigerated, frozen, and after traversing feeding systems. In 42 MOM (median gestation 26 weeks), we showed total IgA levels and sIgA were highest in colostrum, fell over 3 weeks, and were not impacted by gestation. Median IgA values matched previous term studies (700 mcg/ml). In MOM recipients stool IgA was detected in the first week, at around 30% of MOM quantities. Formula fed infants did not have detectable stool IgA until the third week. Levels of IgA and sIgA were approximately halved by handling processes. MOM in the 3 weeks after preterm delivery contains the highest concentrations of IgA and sIgA. Endogenous production after preterm birth occurs from the 3 week meaning preterm infants are dependent on MOM for IgA which should be optimised. Routine NICU practices halve the amount available to the infant. (Secretory) Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is present in colostrum of maternal milk from infants as preterm as 23-24 weeks gestational age, falling over the first 3 weeks to steady levels similar to term. Gestation at birth does not impact (secretory) IgA levels in breast milk. IgA is present in very preterm infant stools from maternal milk fed infants from the first week of life, but not in formula milk fed preterm infants until week three, suggesting endogenous production from this point. Refrigeration, freezing, and feeding via plastic tubing approximately halved the amount of IgA available.

Differential analysis of the bacterial community in colostrum samples from women with gestational diabetes mellitus and obesity

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and obesity affect the functioning of multiple maternal systems and influence colonization of the newborn gastrointestinal through the breastmilk microbiota (BMM). It is currently unclear how GDM and obesity affect the human BMM composition. Here, we applied 16S-rRNA high-throughput sequencing to human colostrum milk to characterize BMM taxonomic changes in a cohort of 43 individuals classified in six subgroups according to mothers patho-physiological conditions (healthy control (n = 18), GDM (n = 13), or obesity (n = 12)) and newborn gender. Using various diversity indicators, including Shannon/Faith phylogenetic index and UniFrac/robust Aitchison distances, we evidenced that BMM composition was influenced by the infant gender in the obesity subgroup. In addition, the GDM group presented higher microbial diversity compared to the control group. Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium 1, Anaerococcus and Prevotella were overrepresented in colostrum from women with either obesity or GDM, compared to control samples. Finally, Rhodobacteraceae was distinct for GDM and 5 families (Bdellovibrionaceae, Halomonadaceae, Shewanellaceae, Saccharimonadales and Vibrionaceae) were distinct for obesity subgroups with an absolute effect size greater than 1 and a q-value ≤ 0.05. This study represents the first effort to describe the impact of maternal GDM and obesity on BMM.