The effects of human milk fortification on nutrients and milk properties.

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.