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Hormonally active peptides in human milk
1Department of Pediatrics & Physiology, University of Arizona, College of Medicine, Tucson.
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992). Supplement
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Human milk contains vital hormones and peptides that may benefit infants. Research suggests these compounds are less common in infant formula, highlighting a need for further study on their role in infant development.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Human milk is rich in hormone and hormone-like peptides.
- Infant gastrointestinal tracts have reduced proteolytic activity and increased macromolecule permeability.
- Experimental animal studies show orally administered peptides impact infant organs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role of milk-borne hormonally active peptides in neonates.
- To compare peptide content in human milk versus infant formula.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on peptide survival and effects in neonatal systems.
- Analysis of peptide composition in human milk and commercially available infant formulas.
Main Results:
- Some peptides, like epidermal growth factor, may survive in neonatal gastric contents.
- Key peptides (epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factor I) are low or absent in infant formulas.
Conclusions:
- Further research is essential to understand the physiological significance of milk-borne peptides for infant health.
- Discrepancies in peptide content between human milk and infant formula warrant attention.