Tag: Human milk protein

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breasts are composed of three kinds of tissue: fibrous, glandular, and fatty. The amount of protein a breast 'has' therefore depends on whether you are referring to the structural protein in its tissue, the nutritional protein in breast milk, or the commonly mistaken chicken cut.

Mature human milk contains significantly less total protein than mature cow milk, with an approximate total protein content of 0.8–1.2 g/100 mL, compared to cow milk's 3.3 g/100 mL. This difference is tailored to the specific growth and developmental needs of each species' young.

Human milk's protein composition is dynamic, changing dramatically from colostrum to mature milk. Which protein is rich in human milk primarily depends on the lactation stage, with whey being dominant for newborns due to its easy digestibility and immune properties.

Did you know that while human milk is packed with a diverse array of proteins, one specific type is notably absent compared to cow's milk? This article will explain which protein is absent in human milk, namely beta-lactoglobulin, and the reasons behind this significant biological difference that impacts infant digestion and health.