Human milk microbiome

A microscopy image of a sample of human breast milk

The human milk microbiota, also known as human milk probiotics (HMP), encompasses the microbiota–the community of microorganisms–present within the human mammary glands and breast milk.[1] Contrary to the traditional belief that human breast milk is sterile,[1][2] advancements in both microbial culture and culture-independent methods have confirmed that human milk harbors diverse communities of bacteria. These communities are distinct in composition from other microbial populations found within the human body which constitute the human microbiome.[3][4][5]

The microbiota in human milk serves as a potential source of commensal, mutualistic, and potentially probiotic bacteria for the infant gut microbiota.[2] The World Health Organization (WHO) defines probiotics as "living organisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host."[6]

  1. ^ a b Gomez-Gallego C, Garcia-Mantrana I, Salminen S, Collado MC (December 2016). "The human milk microbiome and factors influencing its composition and activity". Seminars in Fetal & Neonatal Medicine. 21 (6): 400–405. doi:10.1016/j.siny.2016.05.003. hdl:10261/162047. PMID 27286644.
  2. ^ a b Fernández L, Langa S, Martín V, Maldonado A, Jiménez E, Martín R, Rodríguez JM (March 2013). "The human milk microbiota: origin and potential roles in health and disease". Pharmacological Research. 69 (1): 1–10. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2012.09.001. PMID 22974824.
  3. ^ Martín R, Jiménez E, Heilig H, Fernández L, Marín ML, Zoetendal EG, Rodríguez JM (February 2009). "Isolation of bifidobacteria from breast milk and assessment of the bifidobacterial population by PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and quantitative real-time PCR". Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 75 (4): 965–9. Bibcode:2009ApEnM..75..965M. doi:10.1128/aem.02063-08. PMC 2643565. PMID 19088308.
  4. ^ Díaz-Ropero MP, Martín R, Sierra S, Lara-Villoslada F, Rodríguez JM, Xaus J, Olivares M (February 2007). "Two Lactobacillus strains, isolated from breast milk, differently modulate the immune response". Journal of Applied Microbiology. 102 (2): 337–43. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2672.2006.03102.x. PMID 17241338.
  5. ^ Collado MC, Delgado S, Maldonado A, Rodríguez JM (May 2009). "Assessment of the bacterial diversity of breast milk of healthy women by quantitative real-time PCR". Letters in Applied Microbiology. 48 (5): 523–8. doi:10.1111/j.1472-765x.2009.02567.x. PMID 19228290.
  6. ^ Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization Expert Consultation. (2001). Evaluation of health and nutritional properties of powder milk and live lactic acid bacteria (Report). Córdoba, Argentina: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and World Health Organization.