Scientific understanding of human milk: grasping natural laws
10.3760/cma.j.cn113903-20250517-00257
- VernacularTitle:科学认知母乳，把握自然规律
- Author:
Jianqiang LAI
1
Author Information
1. 中国疾病预防控制中心，中国疾病预防控制中心母乳科学研究重点实验室，北京 102206
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Human milk;
Breastfeeding;
Evolution;
Chrononutrition;
Systemic biology
- From:
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine
2025;28(7):537-541
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Human milk research aims to elucidate the critical value of human mild across biological, physiological, nutritional, and sociological domains. This review synthesized the cutting-edge advances and distills ten core findings: (1) Evolutionary traits: Core components of human milk are highly conservative, providing foundational immune protection while exhibiting regional variations that support precision nutrition. (2) Critical window: The first six months after birth represent an irreversible period for breastfeeding, influencing long-term maternal and infant health. (3) Reciprocal health benefits: Breastfeeding reduces risks of infants' infections and diarrhea while improving their Intelligence Quotient; prolonged lactation lowers maternal risks of breast cancer and postpartum depression. (4) Dynamic nutrient supply: Composition adapts to infant needs, with preterm milk containing more immune factors. (5) Biological complexity: Over 3 000 bioactive components and microorganisms confer functionalities that artificial formulas cannot replicate. (6) Chrononutrition regulation: Lactation follows circadian rhythms, aiding infant sleep-cycle establishment. (7) Optimal feeding practices: Direct breastfeeding is superior; breast pump requires standardization; and workplace milk expression necessitates temperature control and contamination prevention. (8) Maternal weight management: Normal body mass index underpins high-quality lactation; overweight/obese mothers can improve milk quality through diet and exercise. (9) Interdisciplinary frontiers: Human milk microbiota contributes to the establishment of infant gut microbiota and the behavior of breast feeding fosters maternal-infant emotional bonding through psychobiological pathways. (10) Precision nutrition paradigm: Milk composition can be adjusted to infant status, and prolonged lactation may reduce maternal cardiovascular disease risks. Based on the above information, we advocate establishing global human milk composition standards, building a family-healthcare-society support system, and advancing breastfeeding practices.
