Bovine Milk Polar Lipids: Lipidomics Advances and Functional Perspectives

Area of Science:

• Food Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Bovine milk lipids are crucial for nutrition and quality.
• Traditional analysis focused on total fat and fatty acids.
• Polar lipids like phospholipids and sphingolipids are key components of the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advancements in analyzing polar lipids in bovine milk.
• To highlight the role of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in lipidomics.
• To explore how lipid profiles indicate milk quality and processing.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing advanced liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) platforms.
• Investigating factors influencing the milk polar lipidome (lactation, diet, stress, processing).
• Quantifying specific phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine) and sphingolipids (sphingomyelin, ceramides).

Main Results:

• LC-MS enables detailed analysis of milk polar lipid diversity.
• Specific lipid species and ratios (e.g., PC/PE, SM, Cer, Lyso-PC) are sensitive indicators.
• Lipid profiles reflect membrane integrity, oxidative status, heat stress, and processing history.

Conclusions:

• Milk polar lipidomics provides actionable tools for dairy quality control and authenticity.
• Lipidomic markers can monitor cow health and technological performance.
• Advanced lipidomics enhances the nutritional valorization of bovine milk.