Hot topic: Holder pasteurization of human milk affects some bioactive proteins

Area of Science:

• Human milk research
• Nutritional biochemistry
• Food science

Background:

• Human milk is vital for infant nutrition and immunity.
• Holder pasteurization (HoP) is a common method used by milk banks to ensure milk safety.
• The impact of HoP on specific bioactive components in human milk requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of Holder pasteurization on the protein profile, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and lysozyme (LZ) activity in human milk.
• To assess the natural changes in GPx and LZ activity over a 6-month lactation period.
• To provide recommendations for human milk banks regarding pasteurization techniques.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of human milk samples collected over 6 months.
• Assessment of GPx and LZ activity before and after Holder pasteurization (62.5°C, 30 min).
• Electrophoresis was used to analyze the protein profile of human milk.

Main Results:

• Holder pasteurization significantly reduced lactoferrin and immunoglobulin fractions in human milk.
• GPx activity was decreased by HoP and also naturally declined over the 6-month lactation period.
• Lysozyme (LZ) activity remained unaffected by Holder pasteurization.

Conclusions:

• Holder pasteurization inactivates key functional components of human milk, including lactoferrin and GPx.
• The reduction in GPx may affect the milk's antioxidant capacity and probiotic growth potential.
• Human milk banks should consider supplementation of pasteurized milk or alternative processing methods to preserve nutritional quality.