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Breast milk composition and infant nutrient intakes during the first 12 months of life

V Grote1, E Verduci2, S Scaglioni2

  • 1Division Metabolic and Nutritional Medicine, Dr von Hauner Children's Hospital, University of Munich, Medical Centre, Munich, Germany.

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|October 1, 2015
PubMed

Insights

This study quantified human milk intake and nutrient composition in infants up to 12 months. Findings offer reference ranges for breastfed infants and guidance for infant nutrition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Human Lactation
  • Infant Nutrition

Background:

  • Human milk is crucial for infant nutrition.
  • Understanding milk supply and composition is vital for infant health.
  • Variations in human milk can impact infant growth and development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify human milk supply and intake in breastfed infants up to 12 months.
  • To analyze human milk composition, including macronutrients and fatty acids.
  • To establish reference ranges for nutrient intake in exclusively breastfed infants.

Main Methods:

  • 174 Italian infants were monitored from birth to 12 months using test-weighing and 3-day food records.
  • Breast milk samples from 30 mothers were analyzed for protein, carbohydrates, lipids, and fatty acids at specific time points.
  • Data collection included infant milk intake and maternal characteristics.

Main Results:

  • Human milk intake varied, decreasing from 625 ml/day at 1 month to 477 ml/day at 6 months.
  • Energy and protein intake increased significantly from 1 to 12 months.
  • Galactose, non-protein nitrogen, and protein content decreased from 1 to 6 months; maternal factors influenced fatty acid levels.

Conclusions:

  • The study provides reference ranges for nutrient intake in breastfed infants.
  • These findings can inform guidelines for infant feeding, especially for those not fully breastfed.
  • Understanding human milk dynamics supports optimal infant nutrition strategies.
Abstract

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