Comparison of the fat content and fat globule size distribution of breast milk from mothers delivering term and preterm

• DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/40.4.820
• Publication Date: 2018-01-10T11:59:03Z
• Authors: C Simonin; M R; D Sidiropoulos
• Keywords: Globules of fat

The fat content and the fat globule size distribution of human preterm milk samples were analyzed and compared with data of previously analyzed samples of term milk. A negative correlation was found between the fat content and the gestational age. In both term and preterm milk three subpopulations of fat globules could be observed. The subpopulations of small (1 to 15 microns) and large globules (8 to 13 microns) were larger in preterm milk, but decreased slower throughout lactation. The average diameter was identical in both milks and increased with advancing lactation. The fat surface, which also depends on the fat content, increased with decreasing gestational age. However, no correlation between the specific fat surface area and the gestational age was found. Compared to human milk, commercial infant formulas have a smaller average fat globule diameter and a larger specific fat surface area.