Human breast milk as an early-life functional food: Metabolomic perspectives on growth and stunting

Abstract

: Breast milk is a dynamic and complex biological fluid that provides essential nutrients, bioactive molecules, and microbial communities required for optimal infant development. Beyond macronutrients and micronutrients, the breast milk metabolome—a diverse network of small molecules—has emerged as a potential mediator linking maternal nutrition, infant gut microbiota, and growth outcomes, particularly stunting. This review synthesizes current evidence on the composition and variability of the breast milk metabolome, highlighting region- and phenotype-specific differences and their associations with infant growth trajectories. Key metabolites, such as amino acids, human milk oligosaccharides, and short-chain fatty acids, play crucial roles in shaping immune maturation, metabolic pathways, and gut microbial colonization. However, inconsistencies in study design, methodological heterogeneity, and limited longitudinal data restrict the establishment of causal mechanisms between breast milk metabolites and stunting prevention. We propose an integrated multi-omics framework to address these gaps, enabling mechanistic insights and translational strategies for nutrition interventions. By contextualizing breast milk metabolomics within maternal health and environmental factors, this review underscores its potential as a critical target in stunting prevention and early-life nutritional policy development.

Access to Document

Other files and links

• Link to publication in Scopus
• Open Access Version Available

Fingerprint