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Comparative Nutrient Composition of Preterm and Term Human MilkNCT07399405

Comparison of Nutrient Content Between Preterm and Term Human Milk: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

An observational study of Comparative Nutrient Composition of Preterm and Term Human Milk, run by Sun Yat-sen University at 1 site in China.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The purpose of this study is to thoroughly evaluate nutrient disparities between preterm and term human milk. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Any age, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
What is being tested?
observational study
How many people
102 participants
Where
1 siteChina
Study dates
6 Jul 2022to 12 Sep 2025
Phase
Observational
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages Any age
  • Women only
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Child, Adult, Older adult

Study population: Among these studies, most of them were performed in Europe. The sample size ranged from 10 to 2,633, with a median sample size of 49. All studies provided comparative data from mothers who delivered preterm and term infants, with gestational age consistently categorized as preterm (<37 weeks) and term (≥37 weeks). The stage of lactation at sample collection (including colostrum, transitional, and mature milk) was reported in most studies.

Who may be able to join

  • Studies needed to be population-based observational designs and report nutrient composition data for both preterm and term human milk. They must clearly define gestational age (preterm: 25-36 weeks; term: 37-42 weeks) and examine at least one comparable nutrient in both groups, such as energy, macronutrients (such as protein, fat, lactose), and/or micronutrients (including minerals like calcium and phosphorus, and vitamins such as vitamin D). We included articles published in Chinese or English only.

Who cannot join

  • Studies were excluded if they focused solely on mothers with specific medical conditions (such as malnutrition, mastitis, or diabetes), if they involved nutrient supplementation as an intervention, or if they were published in languages other than Chinese or English.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

China1 site
  • Sun Yat-sen University

    Guangzhou, Guangdong

Other trials in China

About this study

The purpose of this study is to thoroughly evaluate nutrient disparities between preterm and term human milk.

Read the detailed description

Preterm birth (gestational age of less than 37 weeks) is a major global health issue, associated with a high burden of mortality and long-term morbidity. Achieving optimal nutrition is critical for improving outcomes in this vulnerable population. However, the specific nutritional requirements for supporting postnatal growth akin to intrauterine rates are exceptionally high. While human milk is the recommended foundation of nutrition, its unfortified use may not meet these demands, and common alternatives like preterm formula present a balance of potential benefits and risks. Crucially, formulating effective nutritional strategies hinges on a precise understanding of the composition of preterm human milk itself. Existing evidence on this composition, especially regarding micronutrients and their influencing factors, is inconsistent and incomplete. Prior reviews have largely focused on macronutrients, leaving a gap in the synthesized evidence regarding micronutrient levels and their key determinants. Therefore, we performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to quantitatively compare the nutrient profile of preterm and term human milk and to evaluate the influence of factors such as lactation stage on these differences.

Being tested
observational study

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • observational studyOther

    This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis. No intervention is administered to participants. Data regarding human milk composition are extracted and synthesized from previously published observational studies.

Study groups in NCT07399405
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
lactating mothers or mothers providing human milkNot described
Receives: Other: observational study

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Energy content in human milk

    The energy content in human milk. Data will be extracted from included observational studies and expressed as mean ± standard deviation for comparison between preterm and term groups.

    Measured: Human milk samples are collected during the defined lactation periods. Specifically, colostrum is defined as samples collected within 3-5 days postpartum, transitional milk within 7-14 days postpartum, and mature milk at ≥15 days postpartum.

  2. Concentration of Protein in human milk

    The concentration of protein in human milk. Data will be extracted from included observational studies and expressed as mean ± standard deviation for comparison between preterm and term groups.

    Measured: Human milk samples are collected during the defined lactation periods. Specifically, colostrum is defined as samples collected within 3-5 days postpartum, transitional milk within 7-14 days postpartum, and mature milk at ≥15 days postpartum.

  3. Concentration of Fat in human milk

    The concentration of fat in human milk. Data will be extracted from included observational studies and expressed as mean ± standard deviation for comparison between preterm and term groups.

    Measured: Human milk samples are collected during the defined lactation periods. Specifically, colostrum is defined as samples collected within 3-5 days postpartum, transitional milk within 7-14 days postpartum, and mature milk at ≥15 days postpartum.

  4. Concentration of Lactose in human milk

    The concentration of lactose in human milk. Data will be extracted from included observational studies and expressed as mean ± standard deviation for comparison between preterm and term groups.

    Measured: Human milk samples are collected during the defined lactation periods. Specifically, colostrum is defined as samples collected within 3-5 days postpartum, transitional milk within 7-14 days postpartum, and mature milk at ≥15 days postpartum.

Secondary outcomes (21)
  1. Concentration of IgA in human milk

    The concentration of IgA in human milk. Data will be extracted from included observational studies and expressed as mean ± standard deviation for comparison between preterm and term groups.

    Measured: Human milk samples are collected during the defined lactation periods. Specifically, colostrum is defined as samples collected within 3-5 days postpartum, transitional milk within 7-14 days postpartum, and mature milk at ≥15 days postpartum.

  2. Concentration of Total nitrogen in human milk

    The concentration of total nitrogen in human milk. Data will be extracted from included observational studies and expressed as mean ± standard deviation for comparison between preterm and term groups.

    Measured: Human milk samples are collected during the defined lactation periods. Specifically, colostrum is defined as samples collected within 3-5 days postpartum, transitional milk within 7-14 days postpartum, and mature milk at ≥15 days postpartum.

  3. Concentration of Lysozyme in human milk

    The concentration of lysozyme in human milk. Data will be extracted from included observational studies and expressed as mean ± standard deviation for comparison between preterm and term groups.

    Measured: Human milk samples are collected during the defined lactation periods. Specifically, colostrum is defined as samples collected within 3-5 days postpartum, transitional milk within 7-14 days postpartum, and mature milk at ≥15 days postpartum.

  4. Concentration of Lactoferrin in human milk

    The concentration of lactoferrin in human milk. Data will be extracted from included observational studies and expressed as mean ± standard deviation for comparison between preterm and term groups.

    Measured: Human milk samples are collected during the defined lactation periods. Specifically, colostrum is defined as samples collected within 3-5 days postpartum, transitional milk within 7-14 days postpartum, and mature milk at ≥15 days postpartum.

  5. Concentration of Lactalbumin in human milk

    The concentration of lactalbumin in human milk. Data will be extracted from included observational studies and expressed as mean ± standard deviation for comparison between preterm and term groups.

    Measured: Human milk samples are collected during the defined lactation periods. Specifically, colostrum is defined as samples collected within 3-5 days postpartum, transitional milk within 7-14 days postpartum, and mature milk at ≥15 days postpartum.

  6. Concentration of Albumin in human milk

    The concentration of albumin in human milk. Data will be extracted from included observational studies and expressed as mean ± standard deviation for comparison between preterm and term groups.

    Measured: Human milk samples are collected during the defined lactation periods. Specifically, colostrum is defined as samples collected within 3-5 days postpartum, transitional milk within 7-14 days postpartum, and mature milk at ≥15 days postpartum.

  7. Concentration of Sodium in human milk

    The concentration of sodium in human milk. Data will be extracted from included observational studies and expressed as mean ± standard deviation for comparison between preterm and term groups.

    Measured: Human milk samples are collected during the defined lactation periods. Specifically, colostrum is defined as samples collected within 3-5 days postpartum, transitional milk within 7-14 days postpartum, and mature milk at ≥15 days postpartum.

  8. Concentration of Potassium in human milk

    The concentration of potassium in human milk. Data will be extracted from included observational studies and expressed as mean ± standard deviation for comparison between preterm and term groups.

    Measured: Human milk samples are collected during the defined lactation periods. Specifically, colostrum is defined as samples collected within 3-5 days postpartum, transitional milk within 7-14 days postpartum, and mature milk at ≥15 days postpartum.

  9. Concentration of Calcium in human milk

    The concentration of calcium in human milk. Data will be extracted from included observational studies and expressed as mean ± standard deviation for comparison between preterm and term groups.

    Measured: Human milk samples are collected during the defined lactation periods. Specifically, colostrum is defined as samples collected within 3-5 days postpartum, transitional milk within 7-14 days postpartum, and mature milk at ≥15 days postpartum.

  10. Concentration of Magnesium in human milk

    The concentration of magnesium in human milk. Data will be extracted from included observational studies and expressed as mean ± standard deviation for comparison between preterm and term groups.

    Measured: Human milk samples are collected during the defined lactation periods. Specifically, colostrum is defined as samples collected within 3-5 days postpartum, transitional milk within 7-14 days postpartum, and mature milk at ≥15 days postpartum.

  11. Concentration of Phosphorus in human milk

    The concentration of phosphorus in human milk. Data will be extracted from included observational studies and expressed as mean ± standard deviation for comparison between preterm and term groups.

    Measured: Human milk samples are collected during the defined lactation periods. Specifically, colostrum is defined as samples collected within 3-5 days postpartum, transitional milk within 7-14 days postpartum, and mature milk at ≥15 days postpartum.

  12. Concentration of Zinc in human milk

    The concentration of zinc in human milk. Data will be extracted from included observational studies and expressed as mean ± standard deviation for comparison between preterm and term groups.

    Measured: Human milk samples are collected during the defined lactation periods. Specifically, colostrum is defined as samples collected within 3-5 days postpartum, transitional milk within 7-14 days postpartum, and mature milk at ≥15 days postpartum.

  13. Concentration of Copper in human milk

    The concentration of copper in human milk. Data will be extracted from included observational studies and expressed as mean ± standard deviation for comparison between preterm and term groups.

    Measured: Human milk samples are collected during the defined lactation periods. Specifically, colostrum is defined as samples collected within 3-5 days postpartum, transitional milk within 7-14 days postpartum, and mature milk at ≥15 days postpartum.

  14. Concentration of Iron in human milk

    The concentration of iron in human milk. Data will be extracted from included observational studies and expressed as mean ± standard deviation for comparison between preterm and term groups.

    Measured: Human milk samples are collected during the defined lactation periods. Specifically, colostrum is defined as samples collected within 3-5 days postpartum, transitional milk within 7-14 days postpartum, and mature milk at ≥15 days postpartum.

  15. Concentration of Iodine in human milk

    The concentration of iodine in human milk. Data will be extracted from included observational studies and expressed as mean ± standard deviation for comparison between preterm and term groups.

    Measured: Human milk samples are collected during the defined lactation periods. Specifically, colostrum is defined as samples collected within 3-5 days postpartum, transitional milk within 7-14 days postpartum, and mature milk at ≥15 days postpartum.

  16. Concentration of Selenium in human milk

    The concentration of selenium in human milk. Data will be extracted from included observational studies and expressed as mean ± standard deviation for comparison between preterm and term groups.

    Measured: Human milk samples are collected during the defined lactation periods. Specifically, colostrum is defined as samples collected within 3-5 days postpartum, transitional milk within 7-14 days postpartum, and mature milk at ≥15 days postpartum.

  17. Concentration of Manganese in human milk

    The concentration of manganese in human milk. Data will be extracted from included observational studies and expressed as mean ± standard deviation for comparison between preterm and term groups.

    Measured: Human milk samples are collected during the defined lactation periods. Specifically, colostrum is defined as samples collected within 3-5 days postpartum, transitional milk within 7-14 days postpartum, and mature milk at ≥15 days postpartum.

  18. Concentration of Molybdenum in human milk

    The concentration of molybdenum in human milk. Data will be extracted from included observational studies and expressed as mean ± standard deviation for comparison between preterm and term groups.

    Measured: Human milk samples are collected during the defined lactation periods. Specifically, colostrum is defined as samples collected within 3-5 days postpartum, transitional milk within 7-14 days postpartum, and mature milk at ≥15 days postpartum.

  19. Concentration of Vitamin E in human milk

    The concentration of vitamin E in human milk. Data will be extracted from included observational studies and expressed as mean ± standard deviation for comparison between preterm and term groups.

    Measured: Human milk samples are collected during the defined lactation periods. Specifically, colostrum is defined as samples collected within 3-5 days postpartum, transitional milk within 7-14 days postpartum, and mature milk at ≥15 days postpartum.

  20. Concentration of Vitamin A in human milk

    The concentration of vitamin A in human milk. Data will be extracted from included observational studies and expressed as mean ± standard deviation for comparison between preterm and term groups.

    Measured: Human milk samples are collected during the defined lactation periods. Specifically, colostrum is defined as samples collected within 3-5 days postpartum, transitional milk within 7-14 days postpartum, and mature milk at ≥15 days postpartum.

  21. Concentration of Vitamin B6 in human milk

    The concentration of vitamin B6 in human milk. Data will be extracted from included observational studies and expressed as mean ± standard deviation for comparison between preterm and term groups.

    Measured: Human milk samples are collected during the defined lactation periods. Specifically, colostrum is defined as samples collected within 3-5 days postpartum, transitional milk within 7-14 days postpartum, and mature milk at ≥15 days postpartum.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted10 Feb 2026
  2. Study start6 Jul 2022
  3. Primary completion8 Jul 2024
  4. Study completion12 Sep 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Observational
Observational model
Other
Time perspective
Other
Enrolment
102 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07399405
Sponsor's protocol ID
HMP
Status last verified
Feb 2026
First submitted
3 Feb 2026
Last updated
20 Aug 2026
Results posted
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Comparative Nutrient Composition of Preterm and Term Human Milk, run by Sun Yat-sen University at 1 site in China.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 20 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in China. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Energy content in human milk (time frame: Human milk samples are collected during the defined lactation periods. Specifically, colostrum is defined as samples collected within 3-5 days postpartum, transitional milk within 7-14 days postpartum, and mature milk at ≥15 days postpartum.). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 20 Aug 2026.

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