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The effects of human milk fortification on nutrients and milk properties

Journal of Perinatology volume 37, pages 42–48 (2017)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Objective:

To investigate the effects of fortification and storage on nutrients and properties of various human milk (HM) types.

Study Design:

Mother’s own milk (MOM) and pasteurized donor human milk (DHM; n=118) were analyzed pre- and post fortification with Enfamil and Similac human milk fortifier (EHMF and SHMF) before and after 24 h of refrigerated storage.

Results:

Milk fortified with SHMF had significantly greater osmolality, pH and lipase activity than EHMF. Changes in protein, pH and osmolality following refrigerated storage differed between fortifiers. When milk type was factored into the analysis, protein and lipase activity changes in fresh MOM differed significantly from DHM and frozen MOM. Analysis of UNF HM found higher protein levels in preterm vs term samples and in MOM vs DHM.

Conclusion:

Nutrient composition of HM varies significantly by milk type. Although fortifiers enhance select nutrients, each has the potential to affect HM properties in a unique way and these affects may vary by milk type.

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Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge the Kelly Peterson and Sinderella Abdallah of Advanced Instruments, Inc., for providing their technological expertise throughout the course of this project. This research was made possible by a grant from the Gerber Foundation. This project was funded by the Gerber Foundation.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Advocate Center for Pediatric Research, Park Ridge, IL, USA

    R Donovan & C Lefaiver

  2. Advocate Children’s Hospital, Park Ridge, IL, USA

    R Donovan, P Prazad & C Lefaiver

  3. Advocate Medical Group, Park Ridge, IL, USA

    S G Kelly & P Prazad

  4. Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL, USA

    S G Kelly

  5. Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes, Elk Grove Village, IL, USA

    S G Kelly

  6. Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Park Ridge, IL, USA

    P Prazad

  7. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA

    P N Talaty, M L Hastings & D N Everly

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  1. R Donovan
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Correspondence to R Donovan.

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Donovan, R., Kelly, S., Prazad, P. et al. The effects of human milk fortification on nutrients and milk properties. J Perinatol 37, 42–48 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2016.166

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