Comparison of methods for defatted human milk and nutrient composition: An experimental study

Area of Science:

• Human milk analysis
• Infant nutrition
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Human milk is optimal for infant nutrition but often restricted in conditions like chylothorax and very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency.
• Defatted human milk is an alternative, but its nutritional adequacy requires assessment.
• This study evaluates the micronutrient profile of defatted human milk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of various fat removal methods on the micronutrient content of human milk.
• To determine the effectiveness of different defatting techniques in preserving essential vitamins and minerals.
• To provide data for fortifying defatted human milk for vulnerable infants.

Main Methods:

• Human milk samples were collected and pooled.
• Fat removal was achieved through refrigerated/room temperature centrifugation, electric cream separation, and gravity separation.
• Analyses included macronutrients, fat-soluble vitamins (A, E), water-soluble vitamins, and minerals (zinc, iodine).

Main Results:

• All defatting methods significantly reduced vitamin A, vitamin E, folate, zinc, and iodine levels.
• Vitamins A and E decreased by over 80% across all methods.
• Refrigerated centrifugation was most effective in reducing total triglycerides (87.0%).

Conclusions:

• Defatting human milk inevitably reduces key micronutrients, including vitamins A and E, folate, zinc, and iodine.
• Specific defatting methods have varying impacts on nutrient reduction.
• Findings support the need for targeted fortification of defatted human milk for infants with chylothorax and VLCAD deficiency.