Human Milk and Preterm Infant Brain Development: A Narrative Review.
Mandy Brown Belfort1, Terrie E Inder1
1Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
Clinical Therapeutics
|March 21, 2022
Summary
Human milk consumption is linked to improved brain development and reduced injury in preterm infants. Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows neuroprotective effects, particularly in vulnerable brain regions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neonatology
- Radiology
Background:
- Preterm infants are vulnerable to brain injury and developmental abnormalities.
- Human milk is recognized for its nutritional and protective benefits for infants.
- Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers advanced insights into brain structure and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize literature on human milk's impact on preterm infant brain development and injury.
- To focus on the application of quantitative brain MRI in this research area.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review of PubMed-searched articles (1990-2021) on human milk and preterm infant brain development/injury.
- Inclusion of studies using quantitative MRI at term equivalent age.
- Characterization of studies based on design, milk exposure, and MRI outcomes.
Main Results:
- Seven observational studies (2013-2021) involving preterm infants (≤33 weeks' gestation) were identified.
- Greater human milk exposure (maternal or donor) correlated with more mature white matter, less injury, and larger regional brain volumes.
- Beneficial effects were region-specific, indicating neuroprotection in vulnerable preterm infant brain areas.
Conclusions:
- Human milk appears to protect preterm infants from white matter injury and dysmaturation.
- Quantitative MRI at term equivalent age is a valuable tool for studying human milk's effects on the preterm brain.
- This approach can elucidate mechanisms of human milk's neuroprotective potential in preterm infants.
