Nutrient Composition of Pasteurized Donor Human Milk and Short-Term Growth Outcomes in Infants

To analyse the macronutrient and micronutrient composition of pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) and to correlate it with short-term growth outcomes in infants.

An observational study was conducted from January to October 2023 in a tertiary care NICU in southern India. Thirteen batches of pooled PDHM were analysed for macronutrients (energy, carbohydrates, proteins, and fat) and micronutrients (calcium, iron, and zinc) using mid-infrared and atomic absorption spectroscopy. A total of 146 infants were enrolled and received PDHM from assigned batches. Growth parameters were assessed at discharge and after six weeks.

The mean energy content of PDHM was 61.09 ± 3.05 kcal/dL, protein 1.69 ± 0.03 g/dL, fat 1.94 ± 0.13 g/dL and carbohydrates 7.47 ± 0.21 g/dL. Micronutrient analysis showed calcium 213.68 ± 57.7 mg/dL, zinc 0.42 ± 0.15 mg/dL and iron 0.1 ± 0.03 mg/dL. Significant variations were observed across batches and correlated with donor characteristics. All growth parameters (weight, length, and head circumference) increased significantly over time (p <0.001). The protein content showed moderate to strong positive correlations with weight gain (p = 0.019), length (p = 0.049), and head circumference (p = 0.046).

This study emphasizes the understanding of PDHM composition and its effects on infant growth in low-income countries, thereby advancing the knowledge of milk banking. Future research should establish reference values for PDHM composition and examine their impact across geographical contexts.