Lipids of bovine and human milks: a comparison

Human and bovine milks contain about 3 to 5% total lipid, existing as emulsified globules 2 to 4 microns in diameter and coated with a membrane derived from the secreting cell. About 98% or more of the lipid is triacylglycerol, which is found in the globule. Phospholipids are about .5 to 1% of total lipids and sterols are .2 to .5%; these are mostly located in the globule membrane. Cholesterol is the major sterol. The major differences are in fatty acid composition, triacylglycerol structure, and the response of fatty acids in human milk to changes in diet. Bovine milk contains substantial quantities of 4:0 to 10:0, about 2% 18:2, and almost no other long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. The fatty acid composition is not altered by ordinary changes in diet. Human milk contains very little 4:0 to 10:0, 10 to 14% 18:2, and small quantities of other polyunsaturates. The triacylglycerol structure differs, with much of the sn-2 position occupied by 16:0 in human milk and 4:0 to 10:0 at sn-3 in bovine milk. The effects of milk cholesterol and fatty acids on human blood cholesterol levels are discussed.