Point-of-care human milk concentration by passive osmosis: comprehensive analysis of fresh human milk samples
The development of a simple, bedside method to concentrate breast milk could have significant implications for improving the health outcomes of premature babies and empowering mothers to provide the best possible nutrition for their vulnerable infants.
College of Health researcher(s)
College unit(s)
Abstract
Objective
Preterm infants need enrichment of human milk (HM) for optimal growth. This study evaluated a novel, point-of-care human milk concentration (HMC) process for water removal from fresh HM samples by passive osmotic concentration.
Study design
Nineteen fresh HM samples were concentrated by incubation with the HMC devices for 3 h at 4 °C. Pre- and post-concentration HM samples were compared by HM properties for: pH, osmolality, macronutrients, enzyme activity, bioactive, and total cell viability.
Results
Passive osmotic concentration reduced HM volume by an average of 16.3% ± 3.8% without a significant effect on pH or cell viability. Ten of the 41 HM components did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) between pre- and post-concentration samples. Twenty-three increased within the expected range by volume reduction. Six increased more than expected, two less than expected, and none decreased significantly.
Conclusion
Passive osmotic concentration of fresh HM can concentrate HM components by selective removal of water. HM osmolality and pH remained within neonatal feeding parameters.