Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 6, 2026
04:35
Rapid Isolation of Human Breast Milk-Derived Extracellular Vesicles
Published on: November 14, 2025
379
Human Milk Nutrient Composition in the United States: Current Knowledge, Challenges, and Research Needs
Xianli Wu1, Robert T Jackson2, Saira A Khan2
1Nutrient Data Laboratory, USDA ARS Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Beltsville, MD.
Current Developments in Nutrition
|August 9, 2018
Summary
Accurate human milk nutrient data is vital for infant feeding and formula development. Current US resources are outdated and incomplete, highlighting a need for updated research on human milk composition.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Human milk is the optimal nutrition for infants.
- Accurate nutrient composition data is essential for infant feeding, nutritional assessments, and infant formula development.
- Existing US nutrient databases for human milk are outdated, incomplete, and lack specific data for the US population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on human milk nutrient composition from studies in the US and Canada.
- To identify knowledge gaps and research needs regarding human milk nutrient profiles.
Main Methods:
- A literature review was conducted covering studies published between 1980 and 2017.
- Twenty-eight research papers with original data on macronutrients and micronutrients were identified.
- Analysis focused on study designs, sampling, storage, and analytical methods.
Main Results:
- Most studies (28) were published before 1990, using small sample sizes of generally healthy lactating women.
- Significant variability exists in experimental designs across studies.
- Consistent data for protein, fat, lactose, energy, and calcium were found for 1-6 months postpartum; data for 7-12 months and other nutrients are scarce.
Conclusions:
- Current data on human milk nutrient composition in the US is insufficient and outdated.
- There is a critical need for comprehensive, up-to-date studies on human milk composition specific to the US population.
- Further research is required to inform infant nutrition and formula development effectively.
Related Concept Videos
03:38Measurement: Standard Units
80.9K
Every measurement provides three kinds of information: the size or magnitude of the measurement (a number), a standard of comparison for the measurement (a unit), and an indication of the uncertainty of the measurement. While the number and unit are explicitly represented when a quantity is written, the uncertainty is an aspect of the errors in the measurement results.
80.9K
03:35Classifying Matter by Composition
90.7K
Matter: Pure Substances and Mixtures
According to its composition, the matter can be classified into two broad categories — pure substances and mixtures.
A pure substance is a form of matter that has a constant composition throughout with uniform properties. For example, any sample of sucrose has the same composition and same physical properties, such as melting point, color, and sweetness, regardless of the source from which it is isolated.
A mixture is composed of two or...
According to its composition, the matter can be classified into two broad categories — pure substances and mixtures.
A pure substance is a form of matter that has a constant composition throughout with uniform properties. For example, any sample of sucrose has the same composition and same physical properties, such as melting point, color, and sweetness, regardless of the source from which it is isolated.
A mixture is composed of two or...
90.7K
03:02Measurement: Derived Units
55.7K
The International System of Units or SI system, by international agreement, has fixed measurement units for seven fundamental properties: length, mass, time, temperature, electric current, amount of substance, and luminosity. These are called the SI base units.
55.7K
01:19Absorption of Nutrients
5.1K
Absorption refers to taking dietary nutrients from the intestinal lumen for transportation throughout the body. After digestion in the small intestine, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are broken down into simpler forms. These essential macronutrients and other vital substances, such as vitamins, minerals, and water, are then prepared for absorption into the bloodstream.
Enterocytes, which are specialized polar epithelial cells, line the mucosa of the small intestinal walls. These cells...
Enterocytes, which are specialized polar epithelial cells, line the mucosa of the small intestinal walls. These cells...
5.1K
01:27Units of Measurement
5.2K
Mechanical engineering is one of the oldest branches of engineering. It deals with designing, analyzing, and manufacturing machines and mechanical systems. To ensure precise and accurate calculations, units of measurement are used. They provide a standard system for expressing and comparing physical quantities.
There are various well-known historical measurement systems, such as the Babylonian system, the Roman system, the Egyptian system, the Olympian system, the British system, and the Indus...
There are various well-known historical measurement systems, such as the Babylonian system, the Roman system, the Egyptian system, the Olympian system, the British system, and the Indus...
5.2K
01:29International System of Units
5.1K
The International System of Units, known as the SI system, is a universally accepted measurement system recognized and used worldwide. The SI system is based on a set of three base units considered absolute, and their values do not change with location. These base units are meters, kilograms, and seconds.
Prefixes are used to define both larger and smaller quantities in the SI system. For example, milli, micro, and nano define smaller quantities, while kilo, mega, and giga are used to define...
Prefixes are used to define both larger and smaller quantities in the SI system. For example, milli, micro, and nano define smaller quantities, while kilo, mega, and giga are used to define...
5.1K