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A premature infant drinking from a bottle
In Search of the Best Milk Recipe for Preemies’ Gut Bacteria
Milk fortifiers of human origin show no evident advantage in the development of the gut microbiota of premature infants over fortifiers derived from cows, while the intake of the mother’s own milk does, two studies suggest.
In Search of the Best Milk Recipe for Preemies’ Gut Bacteria
In Search of the Best Milk Recipe for Preemies’ Gut Bacteria

Milk fortifiers of human origin show no evident advantage in the development of the gut microbiota of premature infants over fortifiers derived from cows, while the intake of the mother’s own milk does, two studies suggest.

Milk fortifiers of human origin show no evident advantage in the development of the gut microbiota of premature infants over fortifiers derived from cows, while the intake of the mother’s own milk does, two studies suggest.

breast milk

Infant hands holding bottle of milk on light blue floor background.
Myo-inositol in Human Breast Milk Improves Brain Connectivity
Charlene Lancaster, PhD | Oct 16, 2023 | 4 min read
Researchers find that the sugar myo-inositol is abundant early in lactation and increases synapse size and abundance in the developing brain.
Undone Proteins Take Out Bladder Cancer
Roni Dengler, PhD | Jul 20, 2021 | 3 min read
An unfolded protein found in human milk shows promise in early clinical trials to treat bladder cancer.
Breastmilk Harbors Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2
Ashley Yeager | Nov 17, 2020 | 5 min read
An abundance of immunoglobulin antibodies, and a paucity of viral RNA, in breastmilk offer evidence that women can safely continue breastfeeding during the pandemic.
Breastmilk from Mothers Who Pump Has a Different Microbial Makeup
Carolyn Wilke | Feb 13, 2019 | 2 min read
In a study of nearly 400 breastfeeding mothers, researchers find links between directly feeding the child and a more diverse microbiota, compared to milk from pumping.
Infographic: The Fate of Fat Cells During Breastfeeding
Kerry Grens | Dec 1, 2018 | 1 min read
See how the cells accommodate milk production in mouse mammary tissue.
Fat Cells Shrink to Make Room for Milk in Breastfeeding Mouse Moms
Kerry Grens | Dec 1, 2018 | 2 min read
Adipocytes lose their lipids and reprogram themselves into stem cells during lactation, then turn back into fat cells after pups wean.
Jumping Spiders Produce Milk to Feed Their Young
Diana Kwon | Nov 29, 2018 | 3 min read
Without access to their mothers’ milk, Toxeus magnus offspring die within the first 10 days of life.
Sugars in Breast Milk Kill Pathogenic Bacteria: Study
Shawna Williams | Aug 22, 2017 | 1 min read
Oligosaccharides from one mom wiped out a group B strep colony in culture.
Breast Milk Contributes Significantly to Babies' Bacteria
Ashley P. Taylor | May 10, 2017 | 2 min read
Thirty percent of bacteria found in babies' guts came from mothers' milk, a study finds.
Breast Milk Sugars Support Infant Gut Health
Anna Azvolinsky | Feb 18, 2016 | 3 min read
Oligosaccharides found in breast milk stimulate the activity of gut bacteria, promoting growth in two animal models of infant malnutrition.
Breast Milk and Obesity
Jef Akst | Nov 2, 2015 | 2 min read
A study links components of a mother’s milk to her infant’s growth.
Maturation of the Infant Microbiome
Kerry Grens | May 13, 2015 | 3 min read
Gut microbial communities from breastfed babies are slow to resemble adults’ microbiota.
Mother’s Genes Influence Baby’s Bacteria
Jenny Rood | Apr 13, 2015 | 2 min read
A breast milk-associated gene mutation impacts the establishment of a newborn’s gut microbiome, a study suggests.
Gut’s Earliest Bacterial Colonizers
Kate Yandell | Aug 11, 2014 | 4 min read
The pace at which bacterial groups take root in the gastrointestinal tracts of premature infants is more tied to developmental age than time since birth.
The Maternal Microbiome
Kerry Grens | May 21, 2014 | 5 min read
Moms bombard their babies with bugs both before and after they’re born.
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