Chemical Composition of Human and Mammalian Milk (A Review)

This review describes the chemical composition and properties of milk, as well as its importance for the development of the child and the formation of its individual organs and systems. The composition of colostrum and mature milk is considered in depth. Detailed data on the individual components of milk, such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes, is presented. Chemical composition of human and mammalian milk is compared. Characteristics of biologically active compounds, such as hormones and protective factors of milk, are given. While human milk contains a large number of different components (>400), the ratio of which varies depending on the needs of each individual breastfed child, the composition of milk formulas of the most advanced developments includes only 40–50 of these components.