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Polyamines in human and rat milk and in infant formulas
P F Pollack1, O Koldovskỳ, K Nishioka
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical School, Houston.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|August 1, 1992
Summary
Human milk contains essential polyamines like putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, crucial for infant development. These compounds are vital for the intestinal mucosa in suckling animals.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Human Physiology
- Animal Science
Background:
- Polyamines are critical for cell proliferation and differentiation.
- Enteral administration of polyamines impacts both suckling and adult animals.
- Human milk composition changes throughout lactation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify polyamine levels (putrescine, spermidine, spermine) in human milk.
- To compare polyamine concentrations in human milk with those in rat milk and infant formulas.
- To investigate milk as a delivery vehicle for polyamines to the infant gut.
Main Methods:
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for polyamine detection and quantification.
- Human milk samples were collected from the first week to 4 months postpartum.
- Rat milk and infant formula samples were analyzed for polyamine content.
Main Results:
- Putrescine, spermidine, and spermine were detected in human milk, with concentrations varying by lactation stage.
- Polyamine levels in infant formulas depended on protein source and concentration.
- Rat milk contained significantly higher polyamine concentrations than human milk, especially spermidine.
Conclusions:
- Human milk is a significant source of dietary polyamines for infants.
- Milk plays a role in delivering polyamines to the intestinal mucosa of suckling animals.
- Differences in polyamine content exist between human milk, animal milk, and infant formulas.
