How much human milk do infants consume? Data from 12 countries using a standardized stable isotope methodology

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Nutritional Science
• Human Lactation

Background:

• Accurate human milk (HM) intake data is essential for assessing energy intake in breast-fed infants, supporting WHO growth curve development.
• Objective global data on HM intake has been lacking due to measurement difficulties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide objective, global data on human milk intake in infants aged 0-24 months.
• To analyze the magnitude and variability of HM intake across different populations and age groups.

Main Methods:

• A pooled analysis of 1115 data points using the dose to the mother deuterium oxide turnover method for objective HM intake measurement.
• Application of a hierarchical model to estimate mean HM intake and its variance within and between countries.

Main Results:

• Overall mean HM intake was 0.78 kg/d, with intake increasing in the first 3-4 months and remaining high until 6-7 months.
• Boys consumed slightly more HM (0.05 kg/d) than girls. HM intake showed a strong inverse association with non-HM water intake (r = -0.448).
• Increased intake variability was observed in late infancy.

Conclusions:

• Objective isotope measurements provide valuable insights into the global patterns and variability of human milk intake.
• This data enhances the understanding of nutrient intake for breast-fed infants and supports nutritional recommendations.