Literature-based human milk nutrient composition values for use in North American food composition databases

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Public Health
• Biomonitoring

Background:

• The existing Standard Reference (SR) profile for North American human milk (HM) composition is over 40 years old and deemed unsuitable for current nutrient exposure assessments.
• Previous HM nutrient data relied on outdated studies, necessitating an update to reflect contemporary milk composition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop interim nutrient profile data values for North American human milk by reviewing available literature.
• To establish a more current and accurate reference for human milk nutrient composition.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of 3 recent reviews (1980-2022) and one Canadian biomonitoring study.
• Inclusion criteria focused on mature milk composition for term infants, collected within 6 months postpartum, with quantitative nutrient data.
• Data were pooled using weighted means and compared against the legacy SR and international literature.

Main Results:

• Updated data identified values for over 40 HM components, including previously unreported or estimated nutrients like DHA and vitamin K.
• Interim nutrient profile data showed >20% differences from the SR legacy for total fat, iron, manganese, most vitamins, and fatty acids.
• Significant data gaps exist for niacin, vitamin B-12, vitamin C, and vitamin D, with limited data for several other key nutrients.

Conclusions:

• The findings provide an interim nutrient profile for North American human milk, serving as a temporary measure until empirical data are available.
• The study identifies critical gaps in the literature, guiding future research priorities for a comprehensive HM nutrient profile.