Effects of human milk fortifier on the antimicrobial properties of human milk

Objective: To evaluate the effects of addition of human milk (HM) fortifier and iron on the anti-infective properties of HM. Study design: HM samples were collected from 28 lactating mothers who delivered prematurely, within the first week of post-natal life. HM fortifier Eoprotin was used. The effects of this fortifier against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans were evaluated using a filter paper method. The measurements were repeated with pure HM, fortified HM and iron-added HM. Results: HM inhibited the growth of S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and Candida. Addition of HM fortifier did not result in any significant difference on this effect. The addition of iron to HM reduced antimicrobial effect against all three bacteria and the Candida. Conclusion: Premature HM has strong antimicrobial activity and addition of the milk fortifier Eoprotin does not change this effect, but addition of iron reduces this antimicrobial activity.