The fatty acid composition of human breast milk is relevant for the energy, immunity and eicosanoid production in infants. Additionally, the antioxidant properties of foods are essential for human health. Therefore, in the present study we aimed to investigate the relationship between maternal diet and fatty acids composition as well as the antioxidant potential of breast milk from donors to human milk bank of Perugia’s hospital, Italy. Results were compared with infant formulas. We observed increased levels of total fatty acids and, in particular, saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in milk from mothers fed on a vegetable and fruit-rich diet compared with a Mediterranean diet. In the same milk, a reduced antioxidant potential was found. All infant formulas resulted in richer total fatty acid content than human breast milk. Only some formulas were qualitatively similar to breast milk. Of note, the antioxidant potential of the formulas was higher or lower than the human milk with the exception of one sample. The antioxidant potential of four formulas was very high. Dietary supplementation with antioxidants has been shown to have a teratogenic effect and to increase the formation of metastases in adult. There are no data on the effects of excess antioxidants in the infants, but the possibility that they can be harmful cannot be excluded.

Background In the past two decades, sphingolipids have become increasingly appreciated as bioactive molecules playing important roles in a wide array of pathophysiology mechanisms. Despite advances in the field, sphingolipids as nutrients remain little explored. Today the research is starting to move towards the study of the sphingomyelin content in human breast milk, recommended for feeding infants. Methods In the present study, we performed a lipidomic analysis in human breast milk in relation with maternal diet during pregnancy, in infant formulas, and in commercial whole and semi-skimmed milks for adults. Mediterranean, carnivorous and vegetarian diets were considered. Results The results showed that total sphingomyelin, ceramide and dihydroceramide species are independent on the diet. Interestingly, the milk sphingolipid composition is species-specific. In fact, infant formulas and commercial milks for adults have a lower level of total sphingomyelin and ceramide content than human breast milk with very different composition of each sphingolipid species. Conclusions We conclude that human breast milk is a better source of sphingolipids than infant formulas for baby nutrition with potential implications for the brain development and cognitive functions.

Different colors of human breast milk (HBM) are reported in literature, and black milk is produced only during minocycline therapy. We herein report two cases of black/dark gray color HBM without minocycline involvement. We analyzed both milk samples and compared the data with two control HBM samples taken from two mothers who had the same dietary behaviors and took the same supplements (iron) as done by the mothers under study. Results indicated that the black color was not due to iron intake, disease or infection. With Sudan III stain, specific for lipids, dark precipitates were evident. Antioxidant power was much higher in studied milk samples than in control samples. As antioxidants at high levels become pro-oxidants, our data suggested possible lipid oxidation. Sphingolipid profile of black milk samples demonstrated accumulation of sphingomyelin and ceramide, which could be a sign of impaired lipid metabolism. It was concluded that iron supplementation was not responsible for HBM pigmentation, but altered biochemical mechanisms in the mammary gland could be implicated. In our experience, dark color HBM did not represent an absolute indication for discontinuation of breastfeeding.