Comparison of macronutrient content in human milk measured by mid-infrared human milk analyzer and reference methods

Comparison of macronutrient content in human milk measured by mid-infrared human milk analyzer and reference methods

Giuffrida F, Austin S, Cuany D, Sanchez-Bridge B, Longet K, Bertschy E, Sauser J, Thakkar SK, Lee LY, Affolter M



Lipids, carbohydrates and proteins are the major components of human milk.  Conventional analysis of these components require individual methodologies and a large milk volume. While these methods are sensitive and accurate, they are not adequate for clinical application. Preterm babies are often fed with mother’s own milk fortified with single or multiple nutrients, therefore rapid analysis of milk macronutrient content is key for personalized nutrition. Human milk analyzers (HMA) were developed for use in hospital settings; they require small milk volume and are based on mid-infrared transmission spectroscopy. This study compared the results obtained with MIRIS-HMA with the values obtained by the reference methods (Rose-Gottlieb, HPAEC-PAD and Kjeldahl for fat, lactose, and protein, respectively).  The amount of lactose determined with the HMA was not different from the reference method; however, there was a difference of 12% in fat, which was within the variability reported by the supplier of the MIRIS-HMA. For protein, the difference was more than 15% and therefore the authors screened another rapid method for protein content determination in small volumes- They found that the BCA protein assay was not significantly different from the reference method and may be more appropriate for milk protein analysis.

J Perinatol. 2019 39:497-503.. doi: 10.1038/s41372-018-0291-8.