Nutrient Composition of Pasteurized Donor Human Milk and Short-Term Growth Outcomes in Infants.

OBJECTIVES

To analyse the macronutrient and micronutrient composition of pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) and to correlate it with short-term growth outcomes in infants.

METHODS

An observational study was conducted from January to October 2023 in a tertiary care NICU in southern India. Thirteen batches of pooled PDHM were analysed for macronutrients (energy, carbohydrates, proteins, and fat) and micronutrients (calcium, iron, and zinc) using mid-infrared and atomic absorption spectroscopy. A total of 146 infants were enrolled and received PDHM from assigned batches. Growth parameters were assessed at discharge and after six weeks.

RESULTS

The mean energy content of PDHM was 61.09 ± 3.05 kcal/dL, protein 1.69 ± 0.03 g/dL, fat 1.94 ± 0.13 g/dL and carbohydrates 7.47 ± 0.21 g/dL. Micronutrient analysis showed calcium 213.68 ± 57.7 mg/dL, zinc 0.42 ± 0.15 mg/dL and iron 0.1 ± 0.03 mg/dL. Significant variations were observed across batches and correlated with donor characteristics. All growth parameters (weight, length, and head circumference) increased significantly over time (p <0.001). The protein content showed moderate to strong positive correlations with weight gain (p = 0.019), length (p = 0.049), and head circumference (p = 0.046).

CONCLUSIONS

This study emphasizes the understanding of PDHM composition and its effects on infant growth in low-income countries, thereby advancing the knowledge of milk banking. Future research should establish reference values for PDHM composition and examine their impact across geographical contexts.