Determination of macronutrient profile and energy composition in human milk via Mid-Infrared Spectrometer Analysis: An experimental study

Background To study the effect of specific maternal and neonatal variables on the macronutrients and energy composition of expressed human milk samples. Methods A prospective study was conducted including 296 samples of human milk delivered from 201 participant mothers. Human milk was analyzed using Mid-Infrared Spectrometer Analysis. Results Colostrum exhibited significantly higher crude protein and lower fat, carbohydrate, total solids, and energy content compared with transitional or mature milk. Milk from mothers who were obese showed significantly higher total solids levels and energy, compared with milk from mothers who were overweight, or of normal weight. Milk from mothers of preterm infants had higher crude protein, and lower carbohydrate content, compared with that of full-term infants. Finally, significant differences were observed in fat, carbohydrate, total solids, and energy between extremely and very low, low, or normal birth weight infants. Maternal body mass index and the phase of lactation were significantly associated with crude protein, whereas pregnancy duration and birth weight were positively correlated with carbohydrates and negatively correlated with fat, total solids, and energy content. Conclusion Neonatal and maternal factors are associated with the macronutrients and energy content of expressed human milk samples. Further research is warranted to explore the specific preterm infants' nutrition needs.