Analytical methods used for the determination of lipids in human milk: A review

Abstract

Human milk is considered the ideal and most complete food for the neonate, due to its balanced nutritional composition, which contributes to the full physical and neurological development of the infant. The lipids present in human milk are sources of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The polyunsaturated fatty acids of the omega-6 series, such as linoleic acid and omega-3 series, such as α-linolenic acid, are essential and are also precursors of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, which are involved in a number of functions, such as the development of the nervous system during childhood and the increase in the intelligence quotient of the infant. Due to the lipid importance of human milk, the aim of this review article was to present the analytical methods that are currently being employed to determine its lipid composition. There are few scientific advances in lipid extraction methods and to date, most studies have evaluated the composition of fatty acids by gas chromatography. Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry have been widely used to identify and quantify different classes of lipids of human milk.