The effect of prolonged freezing and Holder pasteurization on the macronutrient and bioactive protein compositions of human milk

Abstract

Introduction: Human donor milk is widely used to feed premature and sick newborns when the milk of their own mothers is insufficient. All treatment processes involving human milk affect its composition. The aim of this study was to assess changes in the macronutrients and bioactive protein (lactoferrin and lysozyme) content in human milk caused by freezing and Holder pasteurization. Materials and Methods: Milk samples were collected from 42 mothers 14–16 days after delivery. Each sample was divided into two parts and tested twice for macronutrient content, once upon being freshly collected and again after freezing at −40°C, thawing and Holder pasteurization. The lysozyme and lactoferrin concentrations were first determined in the unpasteurized thawed human milk after it was stored frozen at −80°C for up to 10 months and again after Holder pasteurization. The macronutrient concentrations were determined by midinfrared spectrophotometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the lysozyme and lactoferrin concentrations. Results: Freezing and Holder pasteurization had no significant effects on the macronutrient concentrations. The mean lactoferrin content before and after pasteurization was 2.5 ± 1.07 and 0.03 ± 0.03 mg/mL, respectively (p < 0.001), and the lysozyme content was 19.57 ± 20.11 and 12.62 ± 14.14 μg/mL, respectively (p = 0.007). Conclusions: Freezing and Holder pasteurization did not decrease the nutritional value of human milk but caused considerable loss of lactoferrin and lysozyme. New methods for treating human milk are needed that ensure the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms while retaining the biological and nutritional value of the milk. The Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT04382989.