Future research in human milk.
Because of the importance of breast-feeding to child health, research in the formation, composition, and biological effects of human milk should be strongly encouraged. Future exploration should include the processes that are responsible for the synthesis and secretion of human milk; the nature and function of the physical compartments in human milk; the structure and function of certain proteins and other components in human milk; and the in vivo fate and effect of a host of constituents including nutrients, growth factors, hormones, inducers, immunological factors, and antiinflammatory agents. Because of the potential public health benefits, these studies should be a high priority in pediatric research for the next decade.
Goldman
A S
AS
Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77550.
Garza
C
C
D001942:Breast Feeding; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000502:physiology*; D012106:Research