Does Pasteurized Donor Human Milk Efficiently Protect Preterm Infants Against Oxidative Stress?

Area of Science:

• Neonatology
• Nutritional Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Pasteurized donor human milk (DHM) is crucial for infants lacking own mother's milk (OMM).
• The impact of DHM on oxidative stress in preterm infants is not well understood.
• Oxidative stress is a significant concern in preterm infant health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether DHM protects preterm infants from oxidative stress.
• To compare oxidative stress levels in preterm infants fed DHM versus OMM.
• To assess the longitudinal changes in oxidative stress biomarkers.

Main Methods:

• Quantified urinary oxidative stress biomarkers in preterm infants (≤32 weeks gestation, ≤1500g birth weight).
• Compared infants receiving ≥80% DHM versus OMM.
• Utilized noninvasive in vivo assessment from full enteral nutrition to hospital discharge.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant difference in urinary oxidative stress biomarkers between DHM and OMM groups.
• Longitudinal assessment showed comparable oxidative stress levels over time.
• This is the first longitudinal study comparing DHM and OMM for oxidative stress in preterm infants.

Conclusions:

• Pasteurized donor human milk (DHM) is a viable alternative to own mother's milk (OMM) for preterm infants.
• DHM appears to protect preterm infants from oxidative stress as effectively as OMM.
• Further research could explore DHM's role in preventing oxidative stress-related diseases.