Unique Components of Human Milk
Overview
Human milk is a complex biological fluid containing numerous nutritional and bioactive components crucial for infant development and maternal health. Our research group investigates the use of human milk composition – including proteins, lactose, sodium, citrate, and fat– as biomarkers for lactation stage, pathologies such as mastitis, and overall breast health and function. We combine precise analysis of milk components with quantitative measurement of milk production to calculate the amount of each component consumed by the infant. This allows us to determine which components impact infant health and development.
Another key focus is the standardization, refinement, and development of analytical methodologies, including advanced chromatography and mass spectrometry, to improve the accuracy and precision of human milk analysis and identify novel components. This work provides a non-invasive and objective assessment of milk synthesis, ultimately facilitating the development of evidence-based interventions to improve both lactation outcomes
Our work includes
Circadian pattern of milk composition
By examining circadian fluctuations across multiple milk components, we can better understand the impact of delivery of human milk components to the infant.
Biomarker discovery
Continued biomarker discovery for low milk production is essential for developing non-invasive, evidence-based tools to both diagnose low milk supply and improve lactation outcomes.
Modelling the digestion of milk
Preterm and term digestion models offer a pathway to bridge molecular composition with physiological function. Treatment of milk may impact the protein content of the milk and thereby digestion and absorption of peptides. This is important with respect to infant growth particularly in the vulnerable preterm infant.