Irisin concentration in infant formulas and breast milk

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Neonatology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Irisin, a newly identified myokine, possesses antiobesity properties.
• Human milk irisin influences infant postnatal energy balance and development.
• The presence of irisin in breast milk and infant formula is an emerging area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify and compare irisin concentrations in breast milk from mothers of term and preterm infants.
• To determine irisin levels in various commercially available infant formulas.
• To assess the impact of delivery mode and time post-delivery on milk irisin content.

Main Methods:

• Quantified irisin levels in milk samples from 49 lactating mothers (31 preterm, 18 term) using ELISA kits.
• Collected milk samples at two time points: first week and 4 weeks postpartum.
• Analyzed irisin concentrations in 14 different infant formulas.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in milk irisin levels was observed between mothers of term and preterm infants at either time point.
• Irisin concentrations were consistently higher in human milk (both preterm and term) compared to infant formulas.
• A significant increase in human milk irisin concentration was noted from the first week to 4 weeks postpartum.

Conclusions:

• Human milk contains significantly more irisin than infant formulas.
• While infant formulas contain irisin, the lower concentrations warrant further investigation into potential developmental impacts on infants.
• Additional research is necessary to understand the long-term consequences of differing irisin exposure from human milk versus formula.