Circadian Variation of Breast Milk Components and Implications for Care

Breastfeed Med. 2017 Sep;12(7):398-400. doi: 10.1089/bfm.2017.0070. Epub 2017 Jun 16.

Abstract

Several components of breast milk show circadian variability. It is likely that at least some of these macronutrients, hormones, and micronutrients produce circadian stimuli that enhance the well-being of breast-fed infants. Future research should determine whether high-risk infants benefit if breast milk is given during the same circadian phase as it was expressed.

Keywords: breast milk; circadian; infant nutrition.

MeSH terms

  • Bottle Feeding
  • Breast Milk Expression / adverse effects
  • Breast Milk Expression / methods*
  • Chronotherapy / methods*
  • Circadian Rhythm / physiology*
  • Energy Intake
  • Humans
  • Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Lactation / physiology
  • Micronutrients / chemistry
  • Milk Proteins / chemistry*
  • Milk, Human / chemistry*
  • Milk, Human / immunology
  • Nutritive Value

Substances

  • Micronutrients
  • Milk Proteins