Is Lactoferrin Supplementation Beneficial for All Preterm Infants?

Abstract

Objective Human milk (HM) has antibacterial properties due to the presence of immune-modulators, including lactoferrin (LF). This study will determine effect(s) of HM maturation, fortification, and storage conditions on LF levels and its antibacterial properties.

Study Design HM samples (n = 30) were obtained from preterm and term mothers. The LF levels were analyzed by ELISA, and the antibacterial activity was measured after inoculation with Escherichia coli.

Results The highest level of LF in preterm HM was observed in the first week of lactation. However, storage of preterm HM at 4°C decreased LF levels significantly. Both LF levels and antibacterial activity in preterm HM was lower compared with term HM, but significantly higher than donor HM even after HM-based fortification. LF supplementation of donor HM improved its antibacterial activity.

Conclusion Preterm infants fed donor HM, formula, or stored HM at 4°C may benefits from LF supplementation to improve HM antibacterial properties.

Key Points

• Milk LF levels vary with storage and maturity.

• Donor milk is deficient in LF even after adding HM-based fortification.

• Donor HM and formula fed infants may benefit from LF.

Keywords

human milk - necrotizing enterocolitis - nutrition - lactoferrin - human milk fortifier

Authors' Contributions

N.H., A.N., and C.T. contributed in conceptualization of the study. A.N., C.T., and X.L. participated in data curation, developed methodology, and designed visualization. C.T. and X.L. assisted in format analysis. A.N. and N.H. helped in acquiring fund and procured resources. E.G., C.M., and X.L. performed investigation. N.H. provided supervision. A.N., C.T., M.K., and N.H. approved validation. A.N. dedicated in writing original draft. C.T., X.L., M.K., and N.H. involved in reviewing and editing the draft.

Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 03. Februar 2021

Angenommen: 19. April 2021

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
31. Mai 2021

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