
The Science of Human Milk
- 1st Edition - November 4, 2023
- Author: Josef Neu
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 9 9 9 1 3 - 7
- eBook ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 9 8 5 3 8 - 3
The Science of Human Milk offers readily understandable, scientifically sound information related to the compositional features of human milk at different stages of lactation… Read more

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Request a sales quoteThe Science of Human Milk offers readily understandable, scientifically sound information related to the compositional features of human milk at different stages of lactation. The book also debunks many myths about human milk and provides an analysis of the differences in human milk and baby formulas, offering suggestions for how the latter can be improved. The correlation between human milk composition and infant physiology and metabolism, growth, development, health and disease is explored in detail, placing emphasis on preterm infants. In addition, the dynamic nature of human milk, including its microbes, immunology, metabolites, cell components and epigenetically active molecules are covered.
Written for researchers working in nutrition and neonatology, as well as health care professionals working in related fields, this book is sure to be a welcomed reference.
- Presents the various compositional aspects of human milk
- Explores donor milk banks with particular attention paid to guidelines surrounding their uses
- Discusses the sale of human milk on the internet and its safety
- Cover image
- Title page
- Table of Contents
- Copyright
- Preface
- Chapter one. Evolution of human milk and breastfeeding
- Abstract
- Key points
- Introduction
- Origins of milk
- What is a mammal?
- Evolution of lactation
- Conclusion
- References
- Chapter two. Macronutrients and micronutrients
- Abstract
- Key points
- Introduction
- Carbohydrates
- Proteins
- Lipids in human milk
- Micronutrients
- Summary
- References
- Chapter three. Bioactive components of human milk
- Abstract
- Key Points
- Introduction
- Alkaline phosphatase in human milk
- Human milk extracellular vesicles and exosomes
- Growth factors and hormones in human milk
- Summary
- References
- Chapter four. Immunoglobulins and their relevance in human milk
- Abstract
- Key Points
- Introduction
- Neonatal immunity
- Antibody structure
- Types of antibodies in milk
- A special form of IgA called “secretory” IgA
- Antibody function
- Origins and transfer of antibodies in breast milk
- Secretory IgA in breast milk
- Breast milk antibodies and the infant microbiome
- SigA and the microbiome
- Microbiome colonization and breast milk IgA
- Antibodies in milk and infections
- Human milk is dynamic in its response to viruses
- Immunoglobins in breast milk related to COVID-19 infections and vaccinations
- Conclusions
- References
- Chapter five. Multiomics of human milk
- Abstract
- Graphical abstract
- Key points
- Introduction
- The microbiome
- What bacteria are found in human milk?
- Where do they come from?
- Types of microbes
- Factors that influence the composition of the milk microbiome
- Human milk metabolome
- Specific metabolites
- Summary and the future
- References
- Chapter six. Human milk oligosaccharides
- Abstract
- Key Points
- Introduction
- Structure
- Function
- HMOs and the intestinal microbiome
- HMOs and growth
- HMOs and immunity
- HMOs and neurodevelopment
- Conclusion
- References
- Chapter seven. Epigenetics of human breast milk
- Abstract
- Key Points
- Introduction
- Epigenetics and neonatal intestinal injury
- Effects of breastfeeding on subsequent health
- Cholesterol regulation
- Short-chain fatty acids
- Other components of human milk with epigenetic potential
- Summary
- References
- Chapter eight. Human milk exosomes/extracellular vesicles
- Abstract
- Key Points
- Introduction
- Therapeutic potential
- Summary
- References
- Chapter nine. Human milk in the neonatal intensive care unit: dogma meets science
- Abstract
- Key points
- Introduction
- Does donor human milk (HM) prevent necrotizing enterocolitis?
- Are there differences in growth and development of preterm infants with DM versus MOM versus formula?
- In summary donor milk is not a panacea. Why?
- References
- Chapter ten. Medications and toxins in mother’s milk
- Abstract
- Key Points
- Introduction
- Antibiotics
- Pain medications
- Contraception
- Illicit drugs
- Screening for drug use
- Impact of specific substances on breastfeeding
- Summary
- References
- Chapter eleven. The anatomy and physiology of lactation
- Abstract
- Key points
- The anatomy of female breast
- Summary
- Chapter twelve. Benefits to the mother from breastfeeding
- Abstract
- Key points
- Benefits shortly after birth
- References
- Chapter thirteen. Challenges of incorporating human milk bioactive components into formulas
- Abstract
- Key points
- Introduction
- Developmental considerations
- Breast milk composition as a reference
- Sources of bioactive ingredients added to formulas
- Proteins and peptides
- Other considerations
- References
- Chapter fourteen. Influence of maternal diet on breast milk composition
- Abstract
- Key Points
- Introduction
- Factors affecting milk volume
- Maternal dietary restriction
- Macronutrient nutrition
- Micronutrient nutrition
- Calcium
- Zinc
- Iron
- Vitamin D
- Micronutrients and neurodevelopmental outcomes
- Metabolic considerations for the infant
- Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids
- Epigenetic factors in milk
- Food aroma
- Conclusion
- References
- Index
- No. of pages: 322
- Language: English
- Edition: 1
- Published: November 4, 2023
- Imprint: Academic Press
- Paperback ISBN: 9780323999137
- eBook ISBN: 9780323985383
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