The Unique Bioactive Components of Human Milk and Their Impact
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Chapter 1: Understanding Bioactive Components in Human Milk
Breast milk is an extraordinary substance that comprises thousands of unique 'bioactive' elements essential for a child's health, many of which are exclusive to human milk.
Breast milk is exceptionally intricate, containing a vast array of 'bioactive' substances that significantly affect both short-term and long-term health in infants. A large portion of these biologically active components cannot be found in infant formulas, emphasizing the uniqueness of human milk.
So, what exactly are these 'bioactives,' and how do they contribute to infant well-being? This topic will be thoroughly examined in an insightful presentation by lactation scientist Dr. Jennifer Smilowitz during the upcoming virtual Microbirth Summit, taking place from August 28 to 31.
Dr. Smilowitz notes, "More than 1,000 unique biologically active complex compounds in human milk synergistically support infant health by nourishing, communicating, and protecting infants."
Section 1.1: What Comprises Human Milk?
Approximately 85% of human milk is water. The remaining 15% consists of thousands of macro and micronutrients. The predominant molecules found in human milk are lactose, followed by lipids and proteins. However, it is the multitude of complex biologically active compounds, known as 'bioactives,' that set human milk apart.
The 'bioactive' components encompass human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), non-protein nitrogenous compounds, immunoglobulins, and living microbes. Together, these complex components play various roles in promoting a child's health, with some performing multiple functions.
As Dr. Smilowitz highlights, "Human milk components may target one or several of these functions. The synergy of milk whereby one component can target multiple functions in the infant is attributed to their structural complexity and the complex matrix of human milk, making it unique from any other food on the planet."
Section 1.2: The Role of Bioactive Components in Infant Health
During her presentation at the Microbirth Summit, Dr. Smilowitz elaborates on how the diversity and abundance of over 1,000 complex 'bioactive' components extend far beyond mere nutrition for growth.
Some of the bioactive components in human milk "communicate and educate about complex information on how to respond to specific environments. For instance, flavor compounds in human milk help shape the infant's palate, preparing them for the flavors they will encounter in their culture and diet, which can influence later feeding behaviors and food acceptance."
Furthermore, other bioactive components offer protective benefits. For example, antibodies present in human milk can bind to and neutralize pathogens and toxins in the infant's environment. Additionally, numerous bioactives are involved in supporting or developing the infant gut microbiome.
One particularly noteworthy category of bioactives is human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), which are complex carbohydrates that significantly influence the development of a healthy gut microbiome in infants.
Dr. Smilowitz explains, "What's fascinating about HMOs is that they rank as one of the three most abundant components in human milk, alongside protein. Their composition varies with the stage of lactation, consisting of complex carbohydrates made up of various monosaccharides linked by different glycosidic bonds. There are over 150 different structures within the human milk oligosaccharide pool."
Chapter 2: The Impact of HMOs on Infant Gut Microbiome
The first video titled "Lactation as a biological system: The dynamics of human milk composition" explores the intricate nature of human milk and its components.
In this presentation, Dr. Smilowitz discusses how HMOs function as prebiotics, selectively nourishing microbial species unique to infants that belong to the genus Bifidobacterium.
The second video, "Proteins in Human Milk: Composition and Biological Effects" by Sharon Donovan, provides further insights into the diverse proteins found in human milk and their biological implications for infants.
My Conclusion:
The science surrounding human milk is complex, and further research is needed to fully understand the roles of all 'bioactive' components. Current knowledge indicates that these biologically active elements are crucial for fostering a beneficial infant gut microbiome and are fundamental to the optimal development of the infant immune system. Collectively, the 'bioactives' play a vital role in safeguarding a child's long-term health.
It’s important to note that many of these thousands of 'bioactive' components are unique to human milk and not present in infant formula. This uniqueness strongly supports the promotion and encouragement of exclusive breastfeeding whenever possible.
I believe we need to enhance parental education regarding the significance of breastfeeding, allocate more funding for research on human milk, and ensure accessible support for parents to initiate and maintain breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth. Additionally, healthcare professionals should be educated on the critical importance of human milk for health.
Scientific References
Smilowitz JT, Allen LH, Dallas DC, et al. Ecologies, synergies, and biological systems shaping human milk composition—a report from "Breastmilk Ecology: Genesis of Infant Nutrition (BEGIN)" Working Group 2. Am J Clin Nutr. 2023 Apr;117 Suppl 1:S28-S42. doi: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2022.11.027. PMID: 37173059.
Smilowitz JT, Lebrilla CB, Mills DA, et al. Breast milk oligosaccharides: structure-function relationships in the neonate. Annu Rev Nutr. 2014;34:143–69. doi: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-071813–105721. Epub 2014 May 15. PMID: 24850388; PMCID: PMC4348064.
About Me: Toni Harman
I create evidence-based blog posts focusing on the microbiome, pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. I would love to connect with you on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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