Functional Human Milk Components: Not Just Building Blocks

Infancy is a time of developmental plasticity – when biological imprinting occurs that have long-term health effects. We know that nutrition impacts this process and, as a result, an infant's short- and long-term health. This module equips learners with a deep understanding of human milk science, its translation into infant formula composition, and the regulatory frameworks shaping the infant nutrition landscape.

CPE Level: 2
CPEU: 1.0 (Valid until March 28, 2027)

Performance Indicators:

• 11.2.1 Evaluates product characteristics, ingredients and claims in order to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• 8.1.4 Integrates knowledge of macro- and micronutrients for digestion, absorption and metabolism throughout the lifespan in practice.
• 8.1.3 Evaluates the chemical nature and composition of food quality, acceptability, and compatibility to inform product development, menu planning and food preparation techniques.

Learning Objectives

1. Discuss the key components in human milk that drive benefits in infant health.
2. Translate the application of human milk science to infant formula composition.
3. List infant formula nutrient regulations in the United States (US) and ingredients as listed on the infant formula nutrition label.

Speakers

Marguerite Drowica Sheehan, MS, RDN, CDN

Marguerite Drowica Sheehan, MS, RDN, CDN is an employee of ByHeart and in her role supports research, publications and medical education. She authored a blog post titled "The Connection Between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Gut Microbiota" published in 2021 for Biomedical Healing for Kids as part of her dietetic internship. She has no other COI to report.

Diana Orenstein, MS, MS Ed, RDN, LDN

Diana Orenstein, MS, MS Ed, RDN, LDN is an employee of ByHeart and in her role supports research, publications and medical education. She was a co-author of the paper titled "Effects of a Novel High-Quality Protein Infant Formula on Energetic Efficiency and Tolerance: A Randomized Trial" published in 2022 in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. She has no other COI to report.

Jennifer Nepo

Jennifer Nepo is the Principal of Medparency LLC and serves as a consultant to ByHeart.