What is the composition of human milk?
In a study of 2,632 Korean mothers, mature human milk averaged 7.1 g lactose, 1.4 g protein and 3.0 g fat per 100 mL, about 61 kcal. Protein was higher in the first week (2.2 g per 100 mL) and fell to about 1.3 g by 3 to 4 months. Values vary between mothers and populations.
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What are the main components of human milk?
A study in Nutrition Research and Practice (2015) measured milk from 2,632 mothers of full-term infants. Mature milk (1 to 8 months) averaged, per 100 mL:
- Lactose: 7.1 g
- Protein: 1.4 g
- Fat: 3.0 g
- Energy: 61.1 kcal
Lactose is the carbohydrate in milk and was the largest of these components by weight.
How does early milk differ from mature milk?
In the same study, protein was 2.2 g per 100 mL in the first week and fell to 1.3 g by 3 to 4 months, then stayed near 1.2 to 1.3 g. Energy was 61.4 kcal per 100 mL in week 1 and 64.7 kcal in weeks 2 to 4. Fat was 2.7 g per 100 mL in transitional milk and 3.0 g in mature milk. Lactose did not differ by lactation period.
Are these numbers the same for every mother?
No. These are averages from one group of Korean mothers measured by one method. Other populations and methods give somewhat different figures, and milk changes over time. We found no single official value to quote for all mothers.
What about vitamins, minerals and antibodies?
The study we opened covers lactose, protein, fat and energy only, so we give no numbers for vitamins, minerals or immune components. For feeding questions, ask your midwife, doctor or a lactation consultant.
People also ask
What is human milk made of?
In a study of 2,632 mothers, mature milk averaged 7.1 g lactose, 1.4 g protein and 3.0 g fat per 100 mL.
How much protein is in human milk?
The same study found 1.4 g per 100 mL in mature milk, higher in the first week (2.2 g per 100 mL).
How many calories are in breast milk?
The study average for mature milk was 61.1 kcal per 100 mL.
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