Changes in preterm human milk composition with particular reference to introduction of mixed feeding.

OBJECTIVE To study the changes in composition of preterm milk till 6 months of age. METHODS Milk samples from 33, 19, 7 and 12 lactating mothers (delivered <34 weeks) were analyzed on days 7, 28, 90 and 180, respectively. RESULTS Triglyceride and sodium concentrations increased significantly with time and protein concentration decreased significantly over 180 days. Sodium (P=0.02) and triglyceride concentrations (P=0.06) were higher in milk samples of mothers who had introduced mixed feeding by 6 months post natal age (n=6) compared to exclusively breast-feeding mothers (n=6); but lactose and protein content was not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS Milk of preterm mothers has higher amount of triglycerides and sodium during introduction of mixed feeding.