Composition Of Human Breast Milk Research Articles

Bioactive Components of Human Milk and Their Impact on Child’s Health and Development, Literature Review

The composition of human breast milk is an ideal combination of substances necessary for the healthy development of an infant’s body while protecting from pathogens and the balanced development of the microbiota. Its composition is dynamic and changes with the age of the child, meeting their current needs. The study provides a thorough overview of human milk components, such as immunological components, growth factors, hormones, carbohydrates, lipids, minerals, and vitamins. Authors focus on capturing the most important aspects of the effects of these substances on a newborn’s body, while also looking for specific connections and describing the effects on given systems. Supplementation and the use of ingredients are also discussed. The purpose of this paper is to present the current state of knowledge about the bioactive components of human milk and their impact on the growth, development, and health of the young child.

Impact of Environmental Exposures on Human Breast Milk Lipidome in Future Immune-Mediated Diseases.

The composition of human breast milk (HBM) exhibits significant variability both between individuals and within the same individual. While environmental factors are believed to play a role in this variation, their influence on breast milk composition remains inadequately understood. Herein, we investigate the impact of environmental factors on HBM lipid composition in a general population cohort. The study included mothers (All Babies In Southeast Sweden study) whose children later progressed to one or more immune-mediated diseases later in life: type 1 diabetes (n = 9), celiac disease (n = 24), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (n = 9), inflammatory bowel disease (n = 7), hypothyroidism (n = 6), and matched controls (n = 173). Lipidome of HBM was characterized by liquid chromatography combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry. We observed that maternal age, body mass index, diet, and exposure to perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) had a marked impact on breast milk lipidome, with larger changes observed in the milk of those mothers whose children later developed autoimmune diseases. We also observed differences in breast milk lipid composition in those mothers whose offspring later developed autoimmune diseases. Our study suggests that breast milk lipid composition is modified by a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors, and, importantly, this impact was significantly more pronounced in those mothers whose offspring later developed autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. Our findings also suggest that merely assessing PFAS concentration may not capture the full extent of the impact of chemical exposures; thus, the more comprehensive exposome approach is essential for accurately assessing the impact of PFAS exposure on HBM and, consequently, on the health outcomes of the offspring.

Review on Key Features of Infant Feeding: Human Milk and Infant Formula

Human breast milk (HBM) is the finest source of nutrition for almost all infants. Breast milk as a bodily fluid has many benefits beyond somatic cell growth, including regulation of postnatal intestinal function, immune ontogeny, and brain development. However, breastfeeding is strongly recommended, breastfeeding may not always be possible, suitable or solely adequate1. Hence, Infant formula is often an alternative source of infant nutrition when breastfeeding is unacceptable or impossible. The composition of infant formula should be as close as possible to the composition of human breast milk, both in terms of content and chemical specification2. Infant formulas try to mimic the nutritional composition of breast milk as closely as possible. A number of substitutes to milk-based formula also exist. In this article, we review nutritional information for breast milk and infant formulas to help you better understand the importance of breastfeeding and the use of infant formulas up to 24 months of age when alternative feeding is required. In general, breast milk is the ideal food to ensure that an infant's nutritional needs are met.
 Keywords: breast milk; infant formula; type of infant formula; benefits

A Scoping Review of Gut Microbiome and Bifidobacterium Research in Zimbabwe: Implications for Future Studies.

Gut microbiota play a key role in host health, with certain Bifidobacterium strains critical for immune development. The healthy gut of breastfed infants is dominated by these pioneer microbes, especially the strains that feed on human milk oligosaccharides. This is a scoping review of gut microbiome research from Zimbabwe. It focuses on distribution and dynamic changes of bifidobacteria, and milk components that promote growth of microbes in infants, together with the distribution of associated gut microbes in adults. Online databases were searched for publications from 2000 to 2023. Fourteen publications on microbiota of infants and adults were included in this scoping review. Most were cross-sectional, while three were clinical trials/cohort protocols. Publications focused on pediatrics (78.5%), pregnant women (14.3%), and men (7.2%). Zimbabwe has a high burden of HIV; hence 35.7% of study populations were delineated by HIV status. The laboratory methods used included shotgun metagenomics (62%) or 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Almost 85% of the studies focused on total microbiome profiles and rarely reported the distribution of different Bifidobacterium species and variants. None of the papers studied human breast milk composition. There were reports of reduced abundance of beneficial genera in pregnant women, children, and adolescents living with HIV. Additionally, gut microbiota was reported to be poorly predictive of child growth and vaccine response, though this was not conclusive. There are few studies that characterize the gut microbiome by Zimbabwe-based researchers. However, studies on strain level diversity of Bifidobacterium and other key microbes, and their role in health during and beyond infancy, lag behind in Zimbabwe and other low- and middle-income countries. Such cohorts are needed to inform future mechanistic studies and downstream translational work such as next-generation probiotics and prebiotics.

The Relationship of Preterm, Term, and Post-Term Births to Maternal Stress and Human Milk Cortisol Levels.

Introduction: Maternal stress can lead to changes in the composition of human breast milk. The present study evaluates cortisol levels in the breast milk of mothers after giving birth preterm, term, or post-term, and ascertains whether the levels are associated with maternal stress. Materials and Methods: Included in the study were mothers who gave birth vaginally after 32 weeks of gestation between January and April 2022. The breast milk was expressed with an electronic pump under the supervision of a nurse on day 7 following birth, and 2 mL samples of the milk were transferred into microtubes and stored at -80°C. Stress in the mothers was measured using the perceived stress scale developed by Cohen et al. The human breast milk cortisol levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunoassay in a single session. Results: A total of 90 mothers, including 30 with preterm births, 38 with term births, and 22 with post-term births, were included in the study. The median stress scale score was 28 (17-50) and the median breast milk cortisol level was 0.49 ng/mL (0.1-1.96 ng/mL). A significant positive correlation was noted between the stress scale scores and breast milk cortisol levels (r = 0.56, p < 0.01). The breast milk cortisol levels and maternal stress scale scores were significantly higher in the preterm birth group than in the term birth group (p = 0.011 and p = 0.013, respectively). Conclusion: Although there is an association between maternal stress and preterm labor and milk cortisol levels, we believe that more studies are needed to establish a causal link.

Gestational Hypertension and Human Breast Milk Composition in Correlation with the Assessment of Fetal Growth-A Pilot Study.

1 in 10 pregnant women is diagnosed with gestational hypertension. Increasing evidence suggests that preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension may affect human breast milk's lactogenesis and percentage composition. We aimed to examine whether there is any significant influence of gestational hypertension on the composition of macronutrients in human breast milk and to assess its correlation with fetal growth. A total of 72 breastfeeding women (34 diagnosed with gestational hypertension and 38 normotensive women during pregnancy) were recruited to the study at the Division of Neonatology, Medical University of Gdańsk, between June and December 2022. Milk samples were collected between the 3rd and 6th day of lactogenesis. Samples were analyzed using the Miris HMA™ Human Milk Analyzer (Upsala, Sweden), which evaluates the milk composition's energy, fat, carbohydrate and protein quantity. In addition, we assessed the children's anthropometric measurements (birth weight, body length and head circumference at birth). We used logistic regression to estimate the adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. The mean (±standard deviation) macronutrient composition per 10 mL of milk in the GH group was 2.5 g (±0.9) of fat, 1.7 g (±0.3) of true protein, 7.7 g (±0.3) of carbohydrates and 63.2 g (±8.1) of energy, in the normotensive women group 1.0 g (±0.9) of fat, 1.7 g (±0.3) of true protein, 7.3 g (±0.4) of carbohydrates and 57.9 g (±8.6) of energy content, respectively. The fat composition was higher in the PIH group by a mean of 0.6 g (p < 0.005). Gestational hypertension had a positive, significant correlation with birth weight (p < 0.013) and the mother's pre-pregnancy weight (p < 0.005). In conclusion, we found significant differences between milk composition in postpartum women with gestational hypertension compared to healthy, normotensive women. Human milk from women with gestational hypertension was found to contain a higher composition of fat, carbohydrates and energy in comparison to healthy women. Our aim is to further evaluate this correlation, as well as to assess the growth rate of newborns in order to determine the need for individualized formulas for women with pregnancy-induced hypertension, those with poor lactogenesis and those who cannot or choose not to breastfeed.

Macronutrient composition of term and preterm human milk of different socio economic groups

Assessment of the nutritional composition of Human Breast Milk (HBM) is important to understand its sufficiency as the sole nutrient source in infants. The present study is aimed to analyze the proximate composition along with total amino acid and fatty acid profile in term and preterm HBM of different socio economic status.This cross sectional study included, 120 lactating mothers with term or preterm gestation from maternity hospitals located in Hyderabad, Telangana. Nutritional proximate, total amino and fatty acid profiles were estimated in pooled human milk collected from each participant within the first week of postpartum.The macronutrient composition in term was similar to that of preterm breast milk. The essential amino acid Leucine was significantly high in preterm (8.91 ± 0.18) when compared to term (8.61 ± 0.23). ω-5 fatty acid Myristoleic acid was significantly high in preterm (0.14 ± 0.02) when compared to term (0.11 ± 0.02), whereas ω-6 fatty acids like Docosadienoic Acid and Eicosadienoic acid were found to be significantly high in term when compared to preterm. Further, it was also found that the mono unsaturated and ω-9 fatty acids were significantly high in lower socio economic group, whereas, poly unsaturated and ω -3 and 6 fatty acids were significantly high in upper socio economic group.The present study concludes that, nutritional composition like essential amino and fatty acids of human milk vary significantly between different gestational age as well as in socio economic groups.

Impact of Breastfeeding on Low Birthweight Infants, Weight Disorders in Infants, and Child Development.

Infancy has been proven as the best time to improve health outcomes for the later stage of life. The composition of human breast milk has evolved over millennia to support and maintain the infant's life during the early years of life. To achieve life-sustaining effects, human breast milk is packed with fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and a wide range of bioactive compounds such as immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and cytokines. The immunological compounds in breast milk have been shown to curtail gastrointestinal tract infections, respiratory tract infections, hospital admissions, acute otitis media, allergic reactions, and urinary tract infections. Although breastfeeding causes newborns to gain less weight at the beginning of their livesthan formula milk does, breast milk improves body composition by low adiposity. A higher adipose deposition in infants is linked with an increased risk of child obesity in the future. Due to significant health benefits, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends initiating breastfeeding within one hour after birth and continuing for at least six months. Breastfeeding has emerged as a superior source of nutrition that can promote healthy physiological and cognitive development and protect against disease challenges in low birthweight infants. This review summarizes potential evidence that highlights the potential health impact of breast milk in low birthweight infants.

Cannabis use during lactation may alter the composition of human breast milk.

Cannabis is often used by women to manage symptoms of morning sickness during pregnancy, and postpartum stress and anxiety. While exclusive breastfeeding has been recommended for the first 6 months of an infant's life, the presence of cannabinoids in the milk of cannabis users complicates this recommendation. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of maternal cannabis use on changes in the levels of macronutrients and bioactive factors in breast milk. Milk was collected from women who were 6-8 weeks postpartum and were either using cannabis post-delivery, had used cannabis during pregnancy, or were non-users. Levels of cannabinoids, macronutrients, lactose, and SIgA were assessed in the milk of all subjects. THC was detected in the milk of women who reported cannabis use during lactation (n = 13, median: 22 ng/mL). Carboxy-THC, 11-hydroxy-THC, CBD, and CBN were also detected in the milk of women who used cannabis postpartum. Relative to non-users (n = 17), lactose levels were higher and SIgA levels were significantly lower in the milk of subjects who used cannabis during lactation (n = 14). The presence of cannabinoids, along with altered lactose and SIgA levels in the milk of cannabis users, may have implications for infant health. Metabolites of cannabis are found in breast milk and can accumulate in higher concentrations with ongoing consumption, which is concerning for potential exposure among infants born to mothers who consume cannabis. This work reports that lactose levels are increased and SIgA levels are decreased in the breast milk of cannabis users, relative to the milk of non-users. Change in levels of lactose and SIgA in the milk of cannabis users may have significant implications on infant health, which must be investigated in the future to better inform mothers.

Effect of infant's gender and lactation period on biochemical and energy breast milk composition of lactating mothers from Algeria

In this research, we reported the effect of infant's gender on the calorie and biochemical composition of human breast milk during different lactation periods including colostrum, transitional, and mature milk, and to evaluate the difference of total fat, cholesterol, carbohydrate, lactose, glucose, total proteins, whey proteins, casein and energy between human breast milk for male (HBMM) and for female HBMF). In total, 125 HBM samples were analyzed; 72 samples for male infants and 53 with female infants. The main findings were: (1) the mature fat content in HBM for male infants was significantly higher than for female infants (p = 0.017), and (p < 0.001) for both sexes during all lactation periods. Moreover, no significant difference (p > 0.05) was recorded in cholesterol concentrations at all lactation periods between the milk for the different sexes; (2) the concentration of carbohydrate and lactose in colostrum and mature HBMF was higher than in HBMM. At all lactation periods, there was no significant differences in carbohydrate female BM (P = 0.05). By contrast, there were significant differences in males BM (p = 0.03); the lactose content between HBMF and HBMM differed significantly (p < 0.001). The highest glucose concentration was observed in mature HBMF (0.18 ± 0.11 g/L) compared to HBMM (0.13 ± 0.08 g/L) at a statistical significance of p = 0.032. Furthermore, highly significant differences in HBMF glucose concentrations (p < 0.01) were noticed compared with HBMM (p = 0.08) at all lactation periods; and (3) concerning total protein, whey protein and casein, no significant differences between HBMM and HBMF (p > 0.05) were observed in each period of lactation. The results of the current study highlighted that milk energy density was higher in male HBM than in female HBM at stages of lactation with highly significant (p < 0.001) and confirms that biochemical and energy contents, in HBM of lactating mothers from all lactation periods, were affected by the sex of infants.

Gut microbe metabolism of small molecules supports human development across the early stages of life.

From birth to adulthood, the human gut-associated microbial communities experience profound changes in their structure. However, while the taxonomical composition has been extensively explored, temporal shifts in the microbial metabolic functionalities related to the metabolism of bioactive small molecules are still largely unexplored. Here, we collected a total of 6,617 publicly available human fecal shotgun metagenomes and 42 metatranscriptomes from infants and adults to explore the dynamic changes of the microbial-derived small molecule metabolisms according to the age-related development of the human gut microbiome. Moreover, by selecting metagenomic data from 250 breastfed and 217 formula-fed infants, we also investigated how feeding types can shape the metabolic functionality of the incipient gut microbiome. From the small molecule metabolism perspective, our findings suggested that the human gut microbial communities are genetically equipped and prepared to metabolically evolve toward the adult state as early as 1 month after birth, although at the age of 4 years, it still appeared functionally underdeveloped compared to adults. Furthermore, in respect of formula-fed newborns, breastfed infants showed enrichment in microbial metabolic functions related to specific amino acids present at low concentrations in human milk, highlighting that the infant gut microbiome has specifically evolved to synthesize bioactive molecules that can complement the human breast milk composition contributing to complete nutritional supply of infant.

Perspectives on human breast milk composition research

人乳是成分复杂且高度可变的生物液体，对婴儿肠道成熟、免疫功能、疾病预防具有重要意义。本文通过介绍人乳中“营养”和“非营养”成分的研究现状及检测方法，以帮助医生深入认识母乳喂养优点、纠正临床工作中人乳成分检测的误区；同时建议未来以“生物系统”观念研究人乳的健康效应，促进特定功能人乳成分的临床转化。.

Association Between Breastmilk Microbiota and Food Allergy in Infants.

Regulating the composition of human breastmilk has the potential to prevent allergic diseases early in life. The composition of breastmilk is complex, comprising varying levels of oligosaccharides, immunoactive molecules, vitamins, metabolites, and microbes. Although several studies have examined the relationship between different components of breastmilk and infant food allergies, few have investigated the relationship between microorganisms in breastmilk and infant food allergy. In the present study, we selected 135 healthy pregnant women and their full-term newborns from a cohort of 202 mother–infant pairs. Among them, 69 infants were exclusively breastfed until 6 mo after birth. At follow-up, 11 of the 69 infants developed a food allergy in infancy while 22 showed no signs of allergy. Thirty-three breastmilk samples were collected within 1 mo after delivery, and 123 infant fecal samples were collected at five time points following their birth. These samples were analyzed using microbial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The abundance and evenness of the milk microbiota and the number of differential bacteria were higher in the breastmilk samples from the non-allergy group than in those from the food allergy group. The non-allergy group showed relatively high abundance of Bifidobacterium, Akkermansia, Clostridium IV, Clostridium XIVa, Veillonella, and butyrate-producing bacteria such as Fusobacterium, Lachnospiraceae incertae sedis, Roseburia, and Ruminococcus. In contrast, the abundance of Proteobacteria, Acinetobacter, and Pseudomonas in breastmilk was higher in the food allergy group. A comparison of the changes in dominant differential breastmilk microbiota in the intestinal flora of the two groups of infants over time revealed that the changes in Bifidobacterium abundance were consistent with those in the breastmilk flora. Functional pathway prediction of breastmilk microflora showed that the enhancement of the metabolic pathways of tyrosine, tryptophan, and fatty acids was significantly different between the groups. We suggest that changes in the breastmilk microbiota can influence the development of food allergies. Breastmilk contains several microbes that have protective effects against food allergies, both by influencing the colonization of intestinal microbiota and by producing butyrate. This study may provide new ideas for improving infant health through early intervention with probiotics.

Compositional and Functional Considerations for Bovine-, Caprine- and Plant-Based Infant Formulas

Breastmilk is the optimal source of nutrition for infants. However, in circumstances where breastfeeding is not possible or feasible, infant formula provides an essential alternative to fulfil the nutritional requirements of the developing infant. Traditionally, the manufacture of infant formula has involved utilisation of bovine milk as a base ingredient, formulated with other nutrients and bioactive ingredients to closely match the composition of human breastmilk. While it is the most widely available type of formula on the market, bovine-based infant formula is not suitable for all infants, and therefore alternatives such as those based on caprine milk, soy and rice protein are becoming increasingly available. This review provides a detailed examination of the composition of infant formula prepared from bovine milk, caprine milk, soy, and rice protein sources. Available literature on nutrient bio-accessibility and aspects of protein functionality relevant to infant formula is discussed.

Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances associates with an altered lipid composition of breast milk.

The composition of human breast milk is highly variable inter- and intra-individually. Environmental factors are suspected to contribute to such compositional variation, however, their impact on breast milk composition is currently poorly understood. We sought to (1) define the impact of maternal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on lipid composition of human breast milk, and (2) to study the combined impact of maternal PFAS exposure and breast milk lipid composition on the growth of the infants.In a mother-infant study (n=44) we measured the levels of PFAS and lipids in maternal serum and conducted lipidomics analysis of breast milk collect 2-4days after the delivery and at 3months of infant age, by using ultra high performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Gastrointestinal biomarkers fecal calprotectin and human beta defensin 2 were measured in the stool samples at the age of 3, 6, 9, and 12months. Maternal diet was studied by a validated food frequency questionnaire. PFAS levels were inversely associated with total lipid levels in the breast milk collected after the delivery. In the high exposure group, the ratio of acylated saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in triacylglycerols was increased. Moreover, high exposure to PFAS associated with the altered phospholipid composition, which was indicative of unfavorable increase in the size of milk fat globules. These changes in the milk lipid composition were further associated with slower infant growth and with elevated intestinal inflammatory markers. Our data suggest that the maternal exposure to PFAS impacts the nutritional quality of the breast milk, which, in turn, may have detrimental impact on the health and growth of the children later in life.

Iodine deficiency disturbs the metabolic profile and elemental composition of human breast milk

Human breast milk (HBM) has a beneficial impact on health programming, growth and neurodevelopment of newborns.Increase in iodine intake is recommended for pregnant women in order to produce enough thyroid hormones to meet foetal requirements.In this work, a combined analytical multiplatform based on gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled toquadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometryhas been appliedinthe first metabolomic study of HBM ofiodine-deficientwomen. In addition, the elemental composition of HBM has been determined by inductively coupled plasma triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Remarkably,31 metaboliteswith important biological roles(e.g. glycerophospholipids for neurodevelopment)were seentobe alteredin the HBM of iodine-deficient women. The main metabolic pathwaysalteredinclude lipid metabolism, amino acid cycle, the tricarboxylic acid cycle and glycolysis.Additionally, the concentration of selenium, zinc and copperwere seento be significantlylowerin HBM of iodine-deficient women.

Human Breast Milk Composition and Function in Human Health: From Nutritional Components to Microbiome and MicroRNAs.

Human breast milk (HBM) is not only an indispensable source of nutrients for early human growth and development, supplying components that support infant growth and development, but also contains various essential immunologic components with anti-infectious activities and critical roles in the formation of immunity. It is also known that HBM contains its own unique microbiome, including beneficial, commensal, and potentially probiotic bacteria, that can contribute to infant gut colonization. In addition, HBM-derived extracellular vesicles, exosomes, and microRNA are attracting increasing interest for their potential to transfer to the infant and their role in infant development. In this article, we examine some of the various constituents in HBM and review the evidence supporting their associated health effects and their potential applications in human health.

Relationship between traditional maternal diet pattern and breastmilk composition of rural lactating women during the first month postpartum in Shigatse, Tibet.

Maternal nutrition can influence the composition of human breastmilk by altering the components that are sensitive to maternal diet pattern. Traditional Tibetan maternal diet pattern among native rural lactating women possesses distinct characteristics due to its unique geographical environment and dietary habits. This study investigated maternal diet pattern and human breastmilk composition of Tibetan lactating women through different lactation stages during the first month postpartum in Shigatse. The results indicated that Tibetan maternal diet profile was apparently monotonous, mainly sufficient in Zanba, buttered tea, red meat, and fatty soup, yet insufficient in white meat, eggs, leafy vegetables, and fruits, leading to imperfect maternal nutritional intakes with high‐level carbohydrates and deficient proteins. Distinctions of maternal diet profiles in various degrees can be discovered upon different lactation stages, which brings multiple influences to the composition of human milk. There was significantly weak‐to‐medium correlation of protein contents between maternal diet intakes and human milk, while other macronutrients correlated insignificantly. Micronutrient constituents in human milk, involving functional unsaturated fatty acids and free essential amino acids, were also impacted by maternal diet intakes through different lactation stages. These results show that more systematic and profound research is requisite for the clarification and development of Tibetan maternal diet to offer more enhanced and individualized nutritional recommendations for Tibetan lactating women and infants.

Fatty acid composition of human breast milk across lactational stages in six representative cities in China from 2018 to 2019

To investigate the fatty acid composition in breast milk at different lactation stages in six representative cities of China. From January 2018 to December 2019, milk sampling of 690 healthy lactating mothers(full-term) in 5 lactation periods of 0-5 days, 10-14 days, 40-45 days, 200-240 days and 300-400 days was collected from 6 representative regions in China, with 23 cases of breast milk received in each lactation stage in each city. Mix it into one mixture, and make a total of 30 mixes. Determination of fatty acids in breast milk was conducted by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector. The contents of total fatty acids(TFA), saturated fatty acids(SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids(MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids(PUFA) in breast milk increased with the progress of lactation and reached a relatively stable level after reaching a peak at 40-45 days. However, the composition ratio of SFA, MUFA and PUFA in TFA remained relatively stable from 0 to 400 days. The ratio of arachidonic to docosahexaenoic(AA/DHA) in breast milk from 0 to 400 days in the six cities ranged from 1.14 to 1.55, and there was no obvious trend of change in the whole lactation stage. The ratio of linoleic acid to alpha-linolenic acid(LA/ALA) in Chinese breast milk ranged from 3.84 to 18.94, showing significant regional variation. The content and composition of fatty acids in breast milk of six cities in China vary to a certain extent and show a dynamic change process with the passage of time of lactation.

Relationship between Fatty Acids Composition/Antioxidant Potential of Breast Milk and Maternal Diet: Comparison with Infant Formulas.

The fatty acid composition of human breast milk is relevant for the energy, immunity and eicosanoid production in infants. Additionally, the antioxidant properties of foods are essential for human health. Therefore, in the present study we aimed to investigate the relationship between maternal diet and fatty acids composition as well as the antioxidant potential of breast milk from donors to human milk bank of Perugia’s hospital, Italy. Results were compared with infant formulas. We observed increased levels of total fatty acids and, in particular, saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in milk from mothers fed on a vegetable and fruit-rich diet compared with a Mediterranean diet. In the same milk, a reduced antioxidant potential was found. All infant formulas resulted in richer total fatty acid content than human breast milk. Only some formulas were qualitatively similar to breast milk. Of note, the antioxidant potential of the formulas was higher or lower than the human milk with the exception of one sample. The antioxidant potential of four formulas was very high. Dietary supplementation with antioxidants has been shown to have a teratogenic effect and to increase the formation of metastases in adult. There are no data on the effects of excess antioxidants in the infants, but the possibility that they can be harmful cannot be excluded.