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Updated: Feb 27, 2026
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Individualized Reconstitution of Human Milk Microbiota: A Feasible Approach in Real-World Settings
Published on: February 7, 2025
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Human milk: composition and health benefits
Fabio Mosca1, Maria Lorella Giannì
1Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Clinical Science and Community Health, IRCCS Foundation Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan. maria.gianni@unimi.it.
Summary
Breastfeeding offers unparalleled health benefits for infants and mothers, supported by human milk
Area of Science:
- Human milk composition and infant health
- Lactation science and maternal well-being
Background:
- Breastfeeding is the optimal infant feeding method recommended by the World Health Organization.
- Exclusive breastfeeding is advised for six months, with continued breastfeeding up to two years.
- Human milk contains vital nutritional and bioactive components influencing health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on human milk composition.
- To provide an overview of human milk's functional health effects.
- To highlight recent research findings on breastfeeding benefits.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications.
- Synthesis of research on human milk composition.
- Analysis of functional effects on health outcomes.
Main Results:
- Human milk composition varies, containing essential nutrients and bioactive factors.
- Breastfeeding duration significantly impacts the magnitude of health benefits.
- Latest research confirms diverse functional effects of human milk on health.
Conclusions:
- Human milk composition is key to infant and maternal health benefits.
- Continued breastfeeding supports long-term health outcomes.
- Further research elucidates the biological mechanisms of human milk.
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