Future Research in Human Milk

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Because of the importance of breast-feeding to child health, research in the formation, composition, and biological effects of human milk should be strongly encouraged. Future exploration should include the processes that are responsible for the synthesis and secretion of human milk; the nature and function of the physical compartments in human milk; the structure and function of certain proteins and other components in human milk; and the in vivo fate and effect of a host of constituents including nutrients, growth factors, hormones, inducers, immunological factors, and antiinflammatory agents. Because of the potential public health benefits, these studies should be a high priority in pediatric research for the next decade. (Pediatr Res 22: 493-496, 1987)Although the survival of the human species until recently has been dependent on breast-feeding, there has been comparatively little scientific interest in human lactation and the composition and biological effects of human milk. Investigators in this field have usually dealt with questions concerning diseases of specific organs, norms of growth and development in nonbreast-fed populations, or the effects of nutrients other than human milk. Furthermore, most studies dealing with the health of infants o r with the occurrence or treatment of disorders that are prone to develop during infancy have not examined the effect of breastfeeding as an independent variable.

The role and potential of sialic acid in human nutrition

“…DHA may be the limiting factor in milk formula because the brain, in particular the visual cortex, lays down large amounts in the first year of life. However, if diet is a key to mental development, then there are many factors besides DHA that may be important, such as enzymes, hormones, growth factors, and sialic acid, which are found in human milk but poorly represented in the milk of other species and in infant formulas (Goldman & Garza, 1987). Of these, sialic acid is most intriguing because of its simultaneous presence in large amounts in both human milk and human grey matter.…”

Effect of Changes in Excretion of Persistent Organochlorine Compounds with Human Breast Milk on Related Exposure of Breast-Fed Infants

“…It includes easily absorbable nutrients, perfectly tailored to the child's needs. It also secures immunity bodies, appropriate temperature, and sterility (Goldman and Goldblum 1983;Goldman and Garza 1987;Neville et al 1988). This opinion is also shared by the World Health Organization, which recommends breast feeding at all times unless the doctor prescribes otherwise (WHO 1994).…”

Overview: The Future of Research in Human Milk

“…Armond Goldman and Cutberto Garza wrote in Pediatric Research that "although the survival of the species ... has been dependent on breastfeeding, there has been comparatively little scientific interest in human lactation and the composition and biological effects of human milk" (Goldman & Garza 1987). They commented, however, that the scientific climate was in the process of changing to an increasing awareness of research in this field.…”