Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Minor Whey Proteins and Peptides in Human Milk Across Five Neonatal Birth Weight Groups During Three Lactation Stages

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the minor proteins and peptides found in human milk to understand their roles in newborn nutrition, growth, and development. This observational study focuses on how these components vary across five groups of breastfeeding mothers categorized by their newborns' birth weights, ranging from extremely low to high birth weight. The research aims to expand knowledge about the bioactive functions of proteins in human milk during different lactation stages and how these may influence neonatal health. Human milk samples will be collected from each mother during three time periods: within the first 48 hours after birth (colostrum), between 5 and 14 days (transitional milk), and between 100 and 120 days (mature milk). The study includes groups of mothers with newborns classified by birth weight: extremely low, very low, low, adequate, and high. Proteomic techniques will be used to separate, quantify, and identify minor whey proteins and peptides in these samples, considering gestational age for group consistency. Participants will provide milk samples at each lactation stage, and researchers will analyze minor whey proteins such as lysozyme, lactoferrin, bile salt-dependent lipase, lactoperoxidase, and alpha-1-antitrypsin, as well as peptides mainly derived from beta-casein. Additional assessments include muscular and transfontanellar ultrasound exams at matching time points. The study will measure changes in protein and peptide profiles over time and across birth weight groups to better understand their impact on infant development. The study is expected to continue until December 2027.

Exploring Minor Proteins and Peptides in Human Milk: a Proteomic Analysis Across Lactation Stages