Study Identifies Molecular Patterns in Human Milk Linked to Maternal Nutrition and Infant Growth
A study led by researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine has identified shared molecular patterns in human milk that connect maternal nutrition, mammary gland function, and infant growth. By analyzing over 1,500 samples from three diverse populations across Canada, Pakistan, and Burkina Faso, the team used multi-omic approaches to uncover how variations in milk composition relate to both maternal health and child development. The research focused on three key aspects of mammary gland function: milk synthesis and secretion, epithelial barrier regulation, and immune activity. The study identified seven biomarkers—four short-chain acylcarnitines (C2–C5), lysine, 6′ sialyllactose, and selenium—that are linked to maternal nutritional status and infant growth outcomes. These findings offer a non-invasive way to assess mammary gland function through milk composition. The results suggest that human milk can serve as an indicator of the biological state of lactating glands and may help guide interventions for improving nutrition in infants at risk for poor growth.
Topics: human_milk infant_growth mammary_gland_biology maternal_nutrition