Composition of the lipids in human milk: a review
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Updated: Oct 22, 2026

Milk Collection in the Rat Using Capillary Tubes and Estimation of Milk Fat Content by Creamatocrit
Published on: December 16, 2015
Abstract:
Recent publications on the composition of human milk are reviewed. The importance of proper sampling is discussed. Fat contents of 2.6-4.5% and cholesterol amounts of 200-650 mg/100 g fat were reported. The phytosterols in milk were increased by the consumption of these sterols. Phytosterols could contribute to the "total cholesterol" in milk if analyses are done colorimetrically. The fatty acid composition is remarkably uniform unless bizarre diets are consumed; the amounts of linoleic acid vary the most. Phospholipids contained more long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids than triacylglycerols.
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