Human milk pH is associated with fortification, postpartum day, and maternal dietary intake in preterm mother-infant dyads

Abstract

Objective: To compare pH of human milk types (mother's own milk (MOM), pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM), fortified MOM, and fortified PDHM) fed to preterm infants.

Study design: This observational study consisted of 63 mother-infant dyads < 34 weeks gestation. Human milk samples (n = 245), along with maternal factors, were collected for pH analysis. pH of MOM was analyzed over the course of lactation accounting for fortification status, postpartum day, and storage conditions.

Results: Mean pH of MOM was slightly acidic at 6.60 ± 0.28, which was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than other milk types. pH of MOM varied by fortification, postpartum day, and maternal vegetable/fiber intake. There was a significant interaction between fortification status and postpartum day; pH of MOM decreased over time, while pH of fortified MOM increased over time.

Conclusion: pH of human milk varied by type. pH of MOM was significantly associated with fortification status, postpartum day, and maternal vegetable/fiber intake.