A systematic review and meta-analysis of phospholipids in human milk.

BACKGROUND

Phospholipids are important bioactive components in human milk. They are rich in unsaturated fatty acids and play crucial roles in cell signal transduction and infant intellectual development.

METHODS

This study quantitatively pooled concentrations of total phospholipids and their subclasses in human milk, and narratively summarized phospholipid subclass proportions across different countries. Relevant studies published up to October 2025 were searched from six databases. After systematic search, a total of 25 studies were finally included, among which 18 studies on phospholipid concentrations were subjected to meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Results from the random-effects model showed that the total phospholipid concentration was 251.60 mg/L (175.62, 327.58) in colostrum, 234.71 mg/L (171.07, 298.35) in transitional milk, 197.00 mg/L (166.08, 227.93) in mature milk. Throughout lactation, PC, SM, and PE are the major phospholipid classes in human milk. Subgroup meta-analyses indicated that detection methods were a significant effect for total phospholipids, PE, and PI concentrations within mature milk.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review provides updated estimates of phospholipids and their subclasses concentrations in term human milk, and provides a theoretical basis for the application of phospholipids in infant formula.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, Identiffer CRD420261445346.