Environmental determinants of human milk composition in relation to health outcomes

Abstract

In this narrative mini-review, we focus on human milk (HM) composition in relation to effects of environmental factors. HM is a complex biological system which is influenced by maternal genetics, health, diet, adiposity and exposure to environmental stress. 1 Data from a variety of studies suggest that factors such as country of maternal origin and residence, diet, exercise, and exposure to smoke or a farming environment may influence HM composition. These factors are not affecting HM in isolation but have synergistic effects (Figure 1). The direct or indirect evidence of these exposures altering infant outcomes via the HM is more difficult to identify, as it is not always ethical to conduct a randomised control trial.

Issue highlights June 2022

“…This issue contains three mini‐reviews on human milk and lactation. Gridneva et al 3 describe environmental determinants of human milk composition in relation to health outcomes. Beggs et al 4 summarise the evidence from clinical trials on human milk fortification for preterm infants.…”

Changes in Concentrations of Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Human Milk Over Lactation Time and Effects of Maternal Exposure via Analysis of Matched Samples

“…These changes are influenced by maternal health, diet, and exposure to environmental factors. 18 However, limited information exists regarding PFAS levels in human milk and their variation over time. Eight different studies have characterized the changes in PFAS concentrations over lactation sampling using cohorts from Sweden, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Korea, and Norway.…”

“…Lactation is a complex process that involves changes in the proportion of proteins, lipids, and moisture content in colostrum and transitional and mature milks over time. These changes are influenced by maternal health, diet, and exposure to environmental factors . However, limited information exists regarding PFAS levels in human milk and their variation over time.…”

Influence of Maternal Dietary Pattern on the Pro-Oxidant and Antioxidant Status of Mother’s Own Milk

“…The existence of broncho-mammary and entero-mammary cycles is well established as a means of immunologic reactivity in the production of human milk (Gridneva et al, 2022). Maternal diet and the environment of the lactating parent thus alter the composition of milk and colostrum and the subsequent immunological development of the newborn (Gridneva et al, 2022; Khanjani et al, 2018).…”