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Human Milk Bioactive Components and Child Growth and Body Composition in the First 2 Years: A Systematic Review
Meredith Merilee Brockway1, Allison I Daniel2, Sarah M Reyes3
1Manitoba Interdisciplinary Lactation Centre (MILC), Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
Research on human milk (HM) bioactives and infant growth is inconclusive due to inconsistent data. Future studies need standardized methods to understand how HM components influence infant development.
Area of Science:
- Human milk composition
- Infant growth and development
- Nutritional science
Background:
- Human milk (HM) contains vital nutrients and bioactive factors impacting infant development.
- Understanding the specific effects of HM components on infant growth is crucial for public health.
- Existing research is fragmented, with varying methodologies and reporting standards.
Conclusions:
- Current research on human milk bioactives and their impact on infant growth is largely inconclusive and insufficient.
- Significant inconsistencies in study methodologies, milk collection, and outcome reporting hinder definitive conclusions.
- Future research requires standardized approaches, integrated component analysis, and a systems biology perspective to elucidate HM's role in infant development.
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