The Science of Human Milk offers readily understandable, scientifically sound information related to the compositional features of human milk at different stages of lactation. The book also debunks many myths about human milk and provides an analysis of the differences in human milk and baby formulas, offering suggestions for how the latter can be improved. The correlation between human milk composition and infant physiology and metabolism, growth, development, health and disease is explored in detail, placing emphasis on preterm infants. In addition, the dynamic nature of human milk, including its microbes, immunology, metabolites, cell components and epigenetically active molecules are covered.

Written for researchers working in nutrition and neonatology, as well as health care professionals working in related fields, this book is sure to be a welcomed reference.


Presents the various compositional aspects of human milk
Explores donor milk banks with particular attention paid to guidelines surrounding their uses
Discusses the sale of human milk on the internet and its safety

1. The Evolution of Mammalian Milk2. Composition of Human Milk: Macronutrients3. Composition of Human Milk: Micronutrients4. Major Bioactive Components of Human Milk5. Multi omics of Human Milk7. Human Milk: Static versus Dynamic?8. Epigenetics9. Considerations for the Preterm Infant10. Donor Human Milk: A Panacea?11. Xenobiotics and Toxins in Human Milk12. Maternally derived drugs in human milk13. Safety of Breastfeeding with viral illnesses and during a pandemic14. Breastfeeding: Problems and Benefits for the Mother15. The Safety of Breastfeeding during the COVID epidemic16. Breastfeeding: Societal Issues17. Summary