Comprehensive lipidomic profiling of human milk from lactating women across varying lactation stages and gestational ages

An untargeted lipidomic analysis was conducted to investigate the lipid composition of human milk across different lactation stages and gestational ages systematically. A total of 25 lipid subclasses and 934 lipid species as well as 90 free fatty acids were identified. Dynamic changes of the lipids throughout lactation and gestational phases were highlighted. In general, lactation stages introduced more variations in the lipid composition of human milk than gestational ages. Most lipids decreased as the milk progressed from the colostral stage to the mature stage, with some reaching a peak at the transitional stage. Significant variations in lipid composition across gestational ages were predominantly evident during early lactation period. In mature milks, most of the lipids exhibited no discernible statistical differences among gestational ages. This elucidation offers valuable insights and guidance for tailoring precise nutritional strategies for infants with diverse health needs. •Distinct lipid profiles were evident across various lactation stages rather than gestational ages.•Fluctuation of lipid contents among different gestational ages diminished as lactation progressed.•A total of 934 complex lipids as well as 90 free fatty acids were identified.•Structure-dependent retention time validation models were used in identifications.•Free AA showed significant variations across lactation and gestational periods than DHA.