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Changes to breast milk fatty acid composition during storage, handling and processing: A systematic review
Chang Gao1, Jacqueline Miller2, Philippa F Middleton3
1School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Urrbrae, SA 5065, Australia; Women and Kids theme, South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia.
Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids
|June 13, 2019
Summary
Storage and handling conditions generally do not significantly alter expressed breast milk (EBM) fat composition, with most changes under 10%. Minor shifts in triglyceride and free fatty acid levels may occur due to lipase activity.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Expressed breast milk (EBM) is crucial for infant nutrition.
- Understanding the impact of handling on EBM fat composition is vital for preserving its nutritional value.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of storage and handling on the fat composition of expressed breast milk.
- To synthesize findings on how various conditions influence EBM lipids.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases.
- Inclusion of intervention and observational studies on human milk handling and fatty acid composition.
- Narrative synthesis of data from 42 high-quality studies.
Main Results:
- Total fat content and overall fatty acid profile of EBM showed minimal changes (<10%) across different storage and handling conditions.
- A notable decrease in triglyceride concentration and a corresponding increase in free fatty acids were observed.
- These lipid alterations are likely attributable to endogenous lipase activity during milk processing.
Conclusions:
- Standard storage and handling procedures have a limited impact on the overall fat composition of expressed breast milk.
- Specific lipid classes, such as triglycerides and free fatty acids, can be affected by enzymatic activity.
- Further research may be needed to fully elucidate the long-term implications of these minor changes.
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