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Updated: Apr 29, 2026
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Milk Collection in the Rat Using Capillary Tubes and Estimation of Milk Fat Content by Creamatocrit
Published on: December 16, 2015
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Changes in preterm breast milk nutrient content in the first month.
Ya-Chi Hsu1, Chao-Huei Chen2, Ming-Chih Lin3
1Department of Pediatrics, Chiayi Branch, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan.
Pediatrics and Neonatology
|May 28, 2014
Summary
Preterm breast milk composition changes significantly in the first 4-6 weeks, with increases in lactose, lipids, and calories, but decreases in protein and secretory IgA. Phosphate levels were notably low.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Nutrition
- Human Milk Composition
- Lactation Studies
Background:
- Preterm infants (gestation < 35 weeks) have unique nutritional needs.
- Breast milk composition changes throughout lactation.
- Understanding changes in preterm breast milk is crucial for infant health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate longitudinal changes in preterm breast milk composition.
- To compare preterm breast milk with term breast milk.
- To assess key nutrients and immune components in early lactation.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal collection of breast milk from 17 preterm mothers over 4-6 weeks.
- Collection of breast milk from 15 term mothers at 1 and 4 weeks.
- Analysis of fat, protein, lactose, energy, minerals, and immune factors (secretory IgA, leptin, lysozyme, lactoferrin).
Main Results:
- Significant increases in lactose, lipid, calorie, and phosphate concentrations in preterm milk.
- Significant decreases in protein and secretory IgA concentrations.
- No significant differences in calcium, lactoferrin, leptin, or lysozyme; minimal differences between preterm and term milk components.
Conclusions:
- Preterm breast milk undergoes significant macronutrient and secretory IgA changes in early lactation.
- Lower phosphate levels in preterm milk may necessitate monitoring bone mass.
- Further research is needed to understand the clinical implications of these milk composition alterations.
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