Phospholipid composition and fat globule structure II: Comparison of mammalian milk from five different species

We compared phospholipids (PLs) content, their molecular species, and milk fat globules size and microstructure in the milk of five mammalian species, including human, cow, goat, yak, and donkey. The absolute quantification of major PLs was determined using 31P NMR and their fatty acid composition with GC. The molecular species of PLs were analysed using LC-MS where a total of 9 PL species, including one sphingomyelin (SM), six glycerophospholipid (GPL), and two lysoglycerophospholipids (lyso-GPLs), were identified. PLs profile shows an obvious difference among the species, with human milk showing higher SM content and more unsaturated fatty acyls than other mammalian milk. The mammalian milk show a similar core-membrane lipid structure but obvious different size distribution. These data provide a basis for better construction of infant formulas to provide PLs requirements and a similar milk fat globule structure for infants.

Automated summary

This study compared the phospholipids (PLs) content, molecular species, milk fat globules size, and microstructure in the milk of five mammalian species. The results showed significant differences in PLs composition among the species, with human milk having higher sphingomyelin (SM) content and more unsaturated fatty acyls. Although the core-membrane lipid structure of mammalian milk was similar, the size distribution was markedly different. These findings provide a basis for developing formula milk that meets the PLs requirements and has a similar milk fat globule structure for infants.