Breast Milk Macronutrient Content and Its Effects on Infant Anthropometric Measurements in the First 6 Months A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OpenAlex İngilizce

PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to determine the effect of the macronutrient content of breast milk on the anthropometric measurements of infants in the first 6 months. BACKGROUND: Breast milk contains essential macro- and micronutrients needed in the early stages of an infant's development. Current literature highlights the importance of understanding how breast milk's macronutrient content influences infant growth. METHODS: The study protocol has been published in PROSPERO (CRD42023425550). This study adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guideline. Studies published between January 1, 2016, and June 2, 2023, were reviewed across 6 databases. The Joanna Briggs Institute Cohort Studies checklist was used to assess methodological quality. Effect sizes were calculated using both fixed-effects and random-effects models. RESULTS: Six studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The meta-analysis indicated a significant relationship between lactose content in breast milk and infant weight gain, length growth, and head circumference, as well as between fat-lipid content and infant weight gain within the first 6 months (P < .05). No significant relationship was found between protein or carbohydrate content of milk and anthropometric measurements of infants in the first 6 months (P > .05). CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: The findings suggest that macronutrient concentrations in breast milk are important determinants of infant growth. Further research with high level of evidence and standard methodological protocols is recommended to elucidate the relationships between breast milk content and infant growth.