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Cow's milk proteins in human milk
A Coscia1, S Orrù, P Di Nicola
1Neonatal Unit, University of Turin, Italy.
Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents
|November 20, 2012
Summary
Cow's milk allergen alpha-1 casein is present in human colostrum. Further research is needed to determine its role in infant sensitization or tolerance to cow's milk proteins (CMPs).
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Proteomics
- Human Lactation
Background:
- Cow's milk proteins (CMPs) are common food allergens, with specific whey proteins and caseins identified as allergens.
- The presence and potential impact of cow's milk allergens in human colostrum require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cow's milk allergens in human colostrum from mothers of term and preterm newborns using proteomics.
- To identify previously undetected allergens and assess their potential role in infant sensitization during lactation.
Main Methods:
- Proteomics techniques were employed for direct protein identification in human colostrum samples.
- Colostrum samples were collected from 62 mothers of term newborns and 11 mothers of preterm newborns.
Main Results:
- Intact bovine alpha-S1-casein was detected in the colostrum of both term and preterm mothers.
- Beta-lactoglobulin, another known cow's milk allergen, was not detected in any of the analyzed colostrum samples.
Conclusions:
- Bovine alpha-1 casein, a major cow's milk allergen, is secreted into human milk.
- Further research is necessary to elucidate the role of alpha-1 casein in cow's milk sensitization or tolerance in exclusively breastfed infants.
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