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Comparison of lactoferrin activity in fresh and stored human milk

Journal of Perinatology volume 36, pages 207–209 (2016)Cite this article

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Abstract

Objective:

Lactoferrin (Lf), the dominant protein in human milk (HM), has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activity in the neonatal gut. Previous studies indicate that freezing significantly decreases the concentration of Lf in HM. The objective of our study was to compare the activity of Lf in fresh and frozen HM over time.

Study Design:

HM samples were examined fresh and after storage at −20 °C for 3 and 6 months. Lf concentration was determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay, and the activity was measured by examination of nitric oxide (NO) production and tumor necrosis factor-α secretion from rat macrophages exposed to HM samples.

Result:

After 3 and 6 months at −20 °C, the average decrease in Lf concentrations was 55% and 65%, respectively. The bioactivity of Lf also decreased significantly over 6 months.

Conclusion:

Freezing HM for 3 or more months significantly decreases Lf levels and activity. Periodically providing fresh HM may benefit vulnerable preterm neonates.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the University of Louisville Department of Pediatrics Fellow Research Grant.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Neonatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA

    N A Raoof, D H Adamkin, P G Radmacher & S Telang

  2. Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA

    S Telang

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  1. N A Raoof
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  2. D H Adamkin
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Correspondence to S Telang.

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Raoof, N., Adamkin, D., Radmacher, P. et al. Comparison of lactoferrin activity in fresh and stored human milk. J Perinatol 36, 207–209 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2015.186

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