Impact of Haptocorrin in Human Milk on Bacteria
Author Information
Author(s): Henrik R Jensen, Martin F Laursen, Dorte Lildballe, Jens B Andersen, Ebba Nexø, Tine R Licht
Primary Institution: Technical University of Denmark
Hypothesis
Does haptocorrin in human milk inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and influence the microbiota in breastfed infants?
Conclusion
Haptocorrin does not have a general antibacterial effect and does not significantly alter the composition of bacteria in breastfed infants.
Supporting Evidence
- Haptocorrin-free human milk showed similar antibacterial effects as human milk with haptocorrin.
- Unsaturated haptocorrin inhibited the growth of only one bacterial strain, Bifidobacterium breve.
- Human milk inhibited the growth of several pathogenic strains, but this effect was not due to haptocorrin.
Takeaway
Haptocorrin, a protein in human milk, doesn't really stop bad bacteria from growing, which means it might not help shape the good bacteria in babies' tummies.
Methodology
The study used well-diffusion assays to test the antibacterial effects of human milk and haptocorrin on 34 bacterial strains.
Limitations
The study only tested a limited number of bacterial strains and did not explore the effects of haptocorrin in vivo.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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