The lipidome and fatty acid composition
of human milk and different
infant formulas with animal- and/or plant-based fat sources are analyzed
and compared in this study. The results obtained using positive and
negative ionization modes indicate that there are 48 and 71 lipid
species, respectively, that are common between the human milk and
infant formulas. Moreover, the fatty acid composition in infant formulas
varies significantly, depending on the fat source. Human milk is rich
in triacylglycerols that contain linoleic acid, α-linolenic
acid, arachidonic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid. Meanwhile, the triacylglycerols
in IFB comprise long-chain fatty acids at the sn-1,3
position. Compared to human milk, IFC has the same level of sphingomyelin
species. Based on univariate and multivariate analyses, there are
37, 34, 31, and 36 lipid species that can be used to distinguish between
human milk and infant formulas. Overall, the results reported herein
are useful in designing new milk formulas that better mimic human
milk.