Insulin Concentration in Human Milk in the First Ten Days Postpartum

Abstract

Background & objectives:Human milk (HM) is better tolerated than formula in preterm infants. Insulin, which is naturally present in HM but not in formula, has been suggested as a key factor for feeding tolerance, as it appears to stimulate intestinal maturation. Its precise concentrations during the early postnatal period, however, remains unknown. The objective of this study was to assess the natural timecourse of the HM insulin concentration during the first ten days postpartum. The effect of preterm delivery, maternal obesity, and diurnal rhythm were also assessed.Method:HM was collected from 31 non-diabetic mothers (21 preterm [gestational age (GA) < 37 weeks]; 10 at-term [GA ≥ 37 weeks]) on ≥ 4 time-points per day during the first five days, and once on the tenth day postpartum.Results:The HM insulin concentration declined rapidly within the first three days postpartum (day 1: 516 [312–1058] pmol/L; day 3: 157 [87–299] pmol/L), after which the concentration remained relatively stable. The insulin concentrations were higher in HM from obese mothers than from non-obese mothers (P < 0.001). Preterm delivery did not significantly affect HM insulin concentrations when adjusted for maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index category (P = 0.270). Diurnal rhythm was characterized by an insulin concentration decline throughout the night (P = 0.001), followed by an increase in the morning (P = 0.001).Conclusion:The HM insulin concentration declines rapidly in the first three days postpartum, follows a diurnal rhythm, and is higher in obese mothers compared to non-obese mothers. HM insulin concentrations are not affected by preterm delivery.

Efficacy and Safety of Enteral Recombinant Human Insulin in Preterm Infants

“…The central-controlled computer program generated a randomization number and an investigational medical product (IMP) pack number for each infant. The dosage of 400 μIU/mL is comparable with the natural physiological peak insulin concentration in human colostrum, and the dosage of 2000 μIU/mL is supraphysiological relative to the natural insulin concentration in human colostrum …”

“…The intestinal stimulating effect of mother’s own milk appears attributed to its numerous nonnutritive bioactive factors, including the peptide hormone insulin . It has been shown that the natural insulin concentration in human milk peaks in the early postpartum period but declines to a basal level within the first 3 days post partum . To date, insulin is absent in formula.…”

Analysis of the current state of cervical cancer prevention awareness and its influencing factors among rural women in Luohe City

“…In addition, the lower scores attained by women with no history of pregnancy (3.93 ± 2.50 point) or childbirth (3.76 ± 2.52 point) (Table 3) might be related to the younger age of this group and their relatively low exposure to women healthcare. [16] However, women at an early age, during the first pregnancy or delivery, or with more frequent pregnancies also had relatively low scores on cervical cancer awareness (Table 3), which might be related to the lack of attention to their health. [17,18] Therefore, besides strengthening awareness and education about cervical cancer for this population, it was necessary to focus on the overall health level.…”

Exploring Molecular Interactions between Human Milk Hormone Insulin and Bifidobacteria

“…Specifically, starting from a level of 8 μM/L insulin, a 2-fold dilution series was obtained until reaching an amount of 58.59 pM/L insulin and aliquoted in a 96-well microtiter plate. In addition, insulin at a physiologically relevant concentration of 157 pM/L was also included in the assay ( 51 ). Subsequently, an overnight culture of the above-mentioned bifidobacterial strains was diluted to obtain an optical density at 600 nm (OD 600nm ) of ~1, and 15 μL of the diluted cells were inoculated in 135 μL of MRS broth supplemented with a specific insulin amount.…”