Macronutrient content of pooled donor human milk before and after Holder pasteurization

• Main Authors: Pasqua Piemontese (Author), Domenica Mallardi (Author), Nadia Liotto (Author), Chiara Tabasso (Author), Camilla Menis (Author), Michela Perrone (Author), Paola Roggero (Author), Fabio Mosca (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: BMC, 2019-02-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.1186/s12887-019-1427-5; 1471-2431
• Keywords: Donor human milk; Pasteurization; Tailored fortification; Macronutrients; Pediatrics; RJ1-570
• Source: BMC Pediatrics, Vol 19, Iss 1, Pp 1-5 (2019)

Abstract Background Donor human milk (DHM) is the best alternative for preterm infants when their own mother's milk is unavailable. DHM should be pasteurized to guarantee microbiological safety; however, this process can influence the macronutrient content. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Holder pasteurization (HoP) on DHM macronutrient content. Methods Protein, lactose, lipids (g/100 ml) and energy (kcal/100 ml) of DHM pools were analysed before and after HoP (62.5 °C for 30 min) using mid-infrared spectroscopy (HM analyser Miris AB®). The mean macronutrient content before and after HoP was compared by paired t-test. The percentage decreases (Delta%) were calculated. Results The change in macronutrient content of 460 pools was determined. Protein, lipids and lactose decreased significantly after HoP (0.88 ± 0.20 vs 0.86 ± 0.20 and 2.91 ± 0.89 vs 2.75 ± 0.84 and 7.19 ± 0.41 vs 7.11 ± 0.48 respectively). The Delta% values were − 2.51 ± 13.12, − 4.79 ± 9.47 and − 0.92 ± 5.92 for protein, lipids and lactose, respectively (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion This study confirms that the macronutrient content of DHM, especially in terms of lipids and protein, is reduced after HoP. Therefore, in order to perform a tailored fortification of DHM, the clinicians need to be aware of the somewhat diminished nutrient content of DHM.