Search Results (575)

Human milk contains a wide variety of proteins, possessing antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities, which are essential for normal infant growth. Over the past few years, the widespread interest in milk’s nutritional quality and its association with infant health care has led to scientific research on the composition of different milk types. In this study, the similarity between protein content in human and donkey milk during the ninth-month lactation period is estimated. Our results demonstrate that donkey milk may be a valid substitute for cow’s milk to supplement the nutrition of allergic children. Full article

This review highlights the anti-hyperglycemic and antidiabetic properties of camel and dromedary milk (CM). Diabetes mellitus poses a significant global health challenge, and strategies that reduce reliance on insulin or other medications could substantially improve patient management. CM could represent a promising complementary approach due to its established antidiabetic effects, which are supported by its unique biological characteristics. Compared to other common milks, such as bovine milk, CM contains higher concentrations of insulin. Its distinctive physicochemical and microstructural properties help protect insulin and other bioactive proteins from degradation in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby enhancing their intestinal absorption. Furthermore, peptides generated during CM protein digestion may exert direct or indirect effects on the liver and pancreas, contributing to improved glucose metabolism. These beneficial actions are further supported by CM’s antioxidant and antilipidemic properties, which may help mitigate diabetes-related complications, including renal dysfunction and skin lesions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Human milk provides essential nutrients and immune factors with beneficial impact on term, but especially preterm infants’ development. Therefore, this study focuses on the quantification of differences in the peptidome composition of breast milk from mothers of preterm and term infants, keeping in mind that this could reflect different biological needs of these infants or indicate nutritional gaps for healthy development. Methods: In a prospective observational study, breast milk samples were collected from 10 mothers of preterm infants (29–36 weeks gestational age,) and 13 mothers of term infants (37–41 weeks) at day 4 to 6 postnatally. A non-targeted tandem mass spectrometry approach was employed to analyze the milk peptidome. Results: In total, 4570 peptides were quantified. Adjusting the results for maternal age, weight, and height revealed a significant difference for 130 peptides derived from 19 different proteins between preterm and term milk. Proteins comprised high abundant proteins (e.g., α_S1-casein, κ- casein, or ß-casein), but also proteins that are less prominent in milk but of high functional importance (e.g., Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha, Olfactory receptor 4M1). The differentially abundant peptides included peptides derived from ß-casein, which have already been described as being involved in antimicrobial functions as well as proliferation stimulating. For another 32 peptides, bioactivity was predicted. Conclusions: The current study provides a comprehensive overview on the differences in the milk peptidome at different gestational ages independent from common maternal phenotypes and improved the database for future peptide functionality studies. Full article

Human milk, especially colostrum, is a biologically complex fluid with potent protective properties against gastrointestinal disturbances in infants. Among intestinal protozoa transmitted via the fecal–oral route, this review focuses on Giardia lamblia and Entamoeba histolytica, as the protective role of milk-derived factors against these parasites is the most extensively documented. Its protective effects result from a wide range of bioactive components, including mucins, lactoferrin, human milk oligosaccharides, melatonin, and secretory IgA, which support the integrity of the intestinal barrier, regulate immune responses, and inhibit the adhesion and activity of pathogens. The composition of human milk can be influenced by maternal factors such as nutritional status, stress, sleep quality, and physical activity, which may modulate its immunological potential. Dietary intake of micronutrients, fermentable fibers, and fermented foods also appears to play a role in shaping the milk’s protective properties. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms by which selected milk components contribute to the defense against protozoan infections in early life and considers how maternal health and lifestyle may affect the effectiveness of these protective mechanisms. Full article

Introduction: Several factors can affect the composition of a mother’s milk, including the infant’s sex, gestational age, and single or twin delivery. We aimed to determine the association of the offspring’s sex with the macronutrient and energy content in preterm milk, during the first six weeks postpartum. Methods: This is a retrospective, monocentric, cohort study of lactating mothers who delivered before 37 weeks at a referral tertiary maternity. A mid-infrared human milk analyzer was used. Results: From 174 mothers, 360 milk samples were obtained. In the milk for singletons, the mature milk for females was significantly richer in total energy, fat, and protein than the milk for males; in advanced lactation, the milk for males was richer in protein than the milk for females. The transitional milk for male twins was significantly richer in fat and energy than the milk for male singletons; mature milk for male twins was richer in energy, carbohydrates, and protein than the milk for singletons. The mature milk for female twins during the fourth week postpartum was significantly richer in fat and total energy than the milk for singletons. Conclusions: This study provides information on how the number of delivered fetuses and the infant’s sex affects the composition of preterm milk. Full article

Background/Objectives: Human breast milk is a biologically active fluid. It contains immune cells, stem cells, epithelial cells, and lactocytes. These components may support infant development and immune defense. While milk composition is known to vary with physiological and nutritional factors, the impact of the home environment remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine how selected conditions affect the cellular composition of breast milk. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 49 lactating mothers of healthy infants under 6 months of age. Breast milk samples were analyzed using flow cytometry. We measured proportions of immune cells (CD3⁺, CD4⁺, CD8⁺, CD19⁺, and CD16/56⁺), hematopoietic stem cells (CD34⁺), mesenchymal stem cells (CD105⁺, CD73⁺, and CD44⁺), and lactocytes (CD326⁺ CD73⁺ and CD326⁺ CD73⁻ phenotypes). Participants completed a questionnaire assessing number of children, co-sleeping, pet ownership, and number of household members. Results: Mothers with more than one child showed higher percentages of CD4⁺ (p = 0.047) and CD8⁺ (p = 0.031) T cells and fewer CD73⁺ lactocytes (p = 0.028). Co-sleeping was associated with lower levels of CD3⁺ T cells in milk (p = 0.021). Pet ownership correlated with a lower proportion of cytotoxic CD8⁺ cells (p = 0.048). The number of household members had no significant effect. Conclusions: Domestic factors such as number of children, co-sleeping, and pet exposure are associated with shifts in the immune and lactocyte cell composition of breast milk. These findings suggest that breast milk dynamically adapts to maternal and household-level immune stimuli. Full article

Heavy metal-contaminated soil poses a severe threat to environmental quality and human health, calling for eco-friendly and efficient remediation strategies. This study explored the use of biochar-immobilized copper-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa to remediate copper-contaminated soil and promote growth of Chinese milk vetch (Astragalus sinicus L.). Indoor pot experiments compared four groups: copper-contaminated soil (control), soil with biochar, soil with free bacteria, and soil with biochar-immobilized bacteria (IM). Results showed IM had the most significant effects on soil properties: it raised pH to 7.04, reduced bioavailable copper by 34.37%, and increased catalase (3.48%) and urease (78.95%) activities. IM also altered soil bacterial communities, decreasing their richness and evenness (alpha diversity) while shifting community composition. For Chinese milk vetch, IM reduced leaf malondialdehyde (a marker of oxidative stress) by 15%, increased total dry weight by 90%, and lowered copper accumulation in roots (18.62%) and shoots (60.33%). As a nitrogen-fixing plant, the vetch’s nitrogen fixation in roots and shoots rose by 82.70% and 57.08%, respectively, under IM. These findings demonstrate that biochar-immobilized Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a promising in situ amendment for remediating copper-contaminated soil and boosting plant growth. Full article

This on-farm study evaluated the effects of a regenerative (plant polyculture) as compared to conventional (monoculture) pasture-based New Zealand dairy production system on milk and yoghurt nutraceutical properties and environmental impact. Milk and yoghurt produced by two adjacent regenerative and conventional farms were sampled throughout the year and analyzed for chemical composition, metabolomics, and microbiome. Milk samples were also collected over four consecutive days (one day after herbage sampling) on four occasions throughout lactation: early lactation (October), peak lactation (December/January), mid-lactation (March), and late lactation (May). Overall, the regenerative system had a lower environmental impact while maintaining a similar yield and the same milk composition compared to conventional systems. Furthermore, milk and yoghurt from the regenerative system had a more favourable profile of phytochemical antioxidants with potential positive benefits to human health (anti-inflammatory and antioxidant). Full article

The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of two dietary regimens, characterized by different forage-to-concentrate ratios, on feed intake, milk yield and composition, as well as economic and environmental sustainability in lactating buffalo cows. Group H was fed a high-forage diet, while Group L was fed a diet with a lower forage-to-concentrate ratio. Despite a lower energy value (Unit for Feed Lactation: UFL 0.89 vs. 0.91), the diet of group H met the animals’ nutritional requirements, with similar dry matter intake (DMI) and body condition scores observed in both groups. While there was no significant difference in milk yield, protein, and lactose, group H exhibited significantly higher milk fat content and an enhanced fatty acid profile, characterized by increased oleic acid, conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs), and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids have been linked to potential health benefits in humans, including anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and anticarcinogenic effects. From an economic perspective, the H group’s diet was found to be more cost-effective, resulting in EUR 0.46 savings per head per day and a higher yield of mozzarella cheese. From an environmental perspective, the high-forage diet reduced reliance on imported concentrates and irrigation-dependent crops, aligning with sustainable development goals. In conclusion, increasing the forage content in buffalo diets has been demonstrated to support animal performance, improve milk quality, reduce environmental impact, and enhance economic returns for producers. Full article

This review explores current knowledge on the environmental, oxidative, and genomic effects of sucralose (E955), an artificial sweetener widely used in food products, including those for children, and known to cross both the placental barrier and into breast milk. Although initially considered safe, research conducted over the past two decades has presented conflicting evidence regarding its long-term impact, particularly on ecosystems and biological systems. Structurally similar to chlorinated compounds such as perfluoralkyl substances (PFAS), sucralose is highly persistent in the environment, which complicates its degradation and removal, especially from aquatic systems. Several studies have reported behavioral, metabolic, and even genomic alterations in aquatic organisms exposed to sucralose, raising concerns about its broader ecological safety. In addition, its presence has been linked to shifts in microbiota composition in both environmental and human contexts. Reports of sucralose-induced oxidative stress further highlight the need for caution in its continued use, particularly in sensitive formulations. Given its widespread presence and resistance to degradation, further investigation into the environmental and biological safety of sucralose is urgently needed. Full article

Donkey milk has received increasing attention in recent years due to its unique nutritional composition and potential biological activities. This comprehensive review analyzed the main nutritional components of donkey milk, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, while also examining its significant biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties. The protein profile of donkey milk is notable for its high proportion of whey proteins (55–65%), resembling human milk more closely than cow milk. Its relatively low-fat content (approximately 1.29%) with higher proportions of unsaturated fatty acids provides nutritional advantages for specific dietary needs. The carbohydrate content, primarily lactose, contributes to energy provision and calcium absorption. Donkey milk is also distinguished by its rich vitamin profile, particularly vitamin C (about 4.75 times higher than cow milk), and essential minerals including calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. The biological activities of donkey milk extend to various applications in infant nutrition, particularly for children with cow milk protein allergies, potential medical treatments for infections and inflammatory conditions, and cosmetic formulations. Despite these promising attributes, the donkey milk industry faces challenges including low milk yield, lack of standardized production methods, and quality control measures. The sustainable development of the donkey milk industry requires comprehensive approaches to resource protection, technological innovation, brand building, and supportive policies to realize its full potential in contributing to human health and economic development. Full article

The digestion of A1 β-casein present in conventional milk releases β-casomorphin-7 (βCM-7), a bioactive peptide with potential implications for gastrointestinal and neurological health. A scoping review was performed to respond to the following research question: What are the health effects of consuming milk containing the A1 β-casein variant compared to the exclusive consumption of the A2 variant in humans? The evidence collected in this review of human studies with different populations (i.e., children, middle-aged adults, athletes) suggests that the consumption of milk containing A1 β-casein may negatively influence gut health by altering microbial composition, reducing intestinal motility, and increasing colonic fermentation, leading to elevated gas production and altered short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles. The release of βCM-7 upon digestion can also compromise intestinal-barrier integrity, which may exacerbate symptoms of lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or other allergy-related sensitivities. Its ability to cross the blood–brain barrier raises concerns about potential neurological effects. In contrast, milk containing exclusively A2 β-casein is associated with improved gastrointestinal outcomes, including the enhanced abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium spp. and reduced inflammatory markers. Full article

Human milk (HM) is a complex biological fluid that plays a significant role in infant health, influenced by maternal dietary habits and body composition. This study aimed to explore how maternal diet and nutritional status affect the microbial composition of HM. In this pilot study, 15 mothers were recruited from a maternity ward and assessed for dietary habits through a semi-structured food frequency questionnaire and a 3-day dietary record. Maternal body composition was evaluated using bioelectrical impedance analysis. HM samples were collected for microbiota analysis, focusing on the diversity and composition of bacterial communities via 16S rRNA sequencing. The study identified that maternal nutrient intake significantly correlated with the composition of HM microbiota. Specifically, Firmicutes abundance showed positive correlations with animal protein (τ = 0.39; p = 0.043), total carbohydrates (τ = 0.39; p = 0.043), and vitamin A (τ = 0.429; p = 0.026). Bacteroidota was positively correlated with retinol (τ = 0.39; p = 0.043). Higher consumption of dietary fiber (>24 g/day) did not yield significant differences in bacterial composition compared to lower intake (<24 g/day) (p = 0.8977). Additionally, no significant differences were found in overall bacterial abundance across different maternal characteristics such as age, mode of delivery, or breastfeeding type. This study underscores the importance of maternal diet in shaping the HM microbiota, which may have implications for infant health. Dietary modifications during lactation could be a strategic approach to promote beneficial microbial colonization in HM. Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms. Full article

Background/Objectives: Early childhood is a critical window of development, which is influenced by early life exposures including breastfeeding. Observational and preclinical studies have linked human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) with neurocognitive development. However, less attention has focused on behavioral outcomes including temperament and eating behaviors. Herein, we investigated the associations between HMO consumption and child temperament and child eating behaviors through four years of age. Methods: Participants were drawn from the STRONG Kids 2 cohort. Human milk was collected at 6 weeks postpartum, and HMO relative abundances were determined by HPLC-MS. Using validated questionnaires, child temperament was assessed at 3, 18, and 48 months of age, and child eating behaviors were measured at 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 months of age. After adjusting for covariates, multiple linear regressions were carried out to assess the relationship between HMOs and the outcome measures. Results: The HMO profile of mothers showed two distinct clusters explained by maternal secretor status. Significant associations between HMO and surgency were only found in the full cohort and secretors, while more associations between HMO and negative affectivity were observed in non-secretors. A significant number of associations was observed between HMOs and child eating behaviors in full cohort, secretors, and non-secretors. HMO diversity, total fucosylation, and total sialylation were positively associated with food responsiveness, while neutral HMOs presented negative associations. However, these associations with food responsiveness were not observed in non-secretors. Conclusions: HMO profiles were associated with behavioral outcomes in the children, with variations by child age and maternal secretor status, highlighting the potential role of HMOs within the broader context of maternal and postnatal influences. Full article

Due to its high digestibility, rich nutrient profile, and potential probiotic content, goat milk is an essential nutritional resource, particularly for individuals with cow milk allergies. This review summarises the current state of microbial diversity in goat milk, emphasising the implications for quality, safety, and probiotic potential. This systematic review adhered to PRISMA guidelines, conducting a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar using keywords related to microbial profiling in goat milk. The inclusion criteria targeted English-language studies from 2000 to 2025 that utilised high-throughput or next-generation sequencing methods. Out of 126 articles screened, 84 met the eligibility criteria. The extracted data focused on microbial diversity, profiling techniques, and their respective strengths and limitations in evaluating probiotic potential and spoilage risks. The review addresses the challenges linked to microbial spoilage and the composition and functional roles of microbial communities in goat milk. With species such as Bacillus and Pseudomonas playing crucial roles in fermentation and spoilage, key findings emphasise the prevalence of microbial phyla, including Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria in goat milk. The review also explores the probiotic potential of the goat milk microbiota, highlighting the health benefits associated with strains such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Significant discoveries underline the necessity for advanced multi-omics techniques to thoroughly define microbial ecosystems and the substantial gaps in breed-specific microbiota research. Important findings illustrate the need for enhanced multi-omics techniques, given the challenges of host RNA and protein interference, low microbial biomass, and limited goat-specific reference databases, for optimising probiotic development, spoilage prevention strategies, and integrating metagenomics, metabolomics, metaproteomics, and metatranscriptomics to improve milk quality and safety as some of the future research objectives. This study emphasises the importance of understanding goat milk microbiology to advance dairy science and enhance human health. Full article