Preparation of Human Milk Fat Substitutes: A Review

Human milk is generally regarded as the best choice for infant feeding. Human milk fat (HMF) is one of the most complex natural lipids, with a unique fatty acid composition and distribution and complex lipid composition. Lipid intake in infants not only affects their energy intake but also affects their metabolic mode and overall development. Infant formula is the best substitute for human milk when breastfeeding is not possible. As the main energy source in infant formula, human milk fat substitutes (HMFSs) should have a composition similar to that of HMF in order to meet the nutritional needs of infant growth and development. At present, HMFS preparation mainly focuses on the simulation of fatty acid composition, the application of structured lipids and the addition of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) supplements. This paper first reviews the composition and structure of HMF, and then the preparation development of structured lipids and MFGM supplements are summarized. Additionally, the evaluation and regulation of HMFSs in infant formula are also presented.

Automated summary

Human milk is considered the best choice for infant feeding, and human milk fat plays a crucial role in infant growth and development. When breastfeeding is not possible, infant formula should have a composition similar to human milk fat in order to meet the nutritional needs of infants. Currently, the preparation of human milk fat substitutes focuses on simulating fatty acid composition, using structured lipids, and adding milk fat globule membrane supplements. Evaluation and regulation of these substitutes in infant formula are also important.