#United States #Prolacta Bioscience #Duarte #Human Milk Fortifier #NICU Nutrition

Understanding the Confusion Around 'Human Milk Fortifiers'

A recent survey conducted by Prolacta Bioscience sheds light on the misunderstanding surrounding the nutritional product known as 'Human Milk Fortifier' among U.S. parents. Released during Prematurity Awareness Month, the survey indicates that a significant number of parents—65% to be exact—believe this product contains donor breastmilk when, in reality, most are made from cow’s milk.

The Origin of Confusion

The confusion appears to stem from the labeling itself. Initially titled to indicate its purpose of enhancing the nutritional value of milk, 'Human Milk Fortifier' has led parents to assume that it must contain human milk. It's crucial to understand that while there are two types of fortifiers—one made from cow's milk and another, the only one in the U.S., made from donor breastmilk—most parents, regardless of whether their baby was in the NICU, are mistaken about its contents. In fact, 66% of parents whose babies spent time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) thought the fortifier included donor breastmilk.

Nutritional Needs of Premature Infants

Premature infants, particularly those born weighing less than 2.75 pounds, require significantly more calories, protein, and nutrients than what standard breastmilk can provide. To address this need, healthcare providers often supplement breastmilk with fortifiers. Research over two decades has shown that an exclusive human milk diet—particularly one using a fortifier made from donor breastmilk—can lead to improved outcomes, such as reduced complications associated with premature birth and enhanced long-term development.

Prolacta Bioscience has carved out a niche as the sole provider of a human milk fortifier in the United States made exclusively from donor breastmilk, which operates free from any cow’s milk. In fact, 2026 data reveals that over half of Level III and IV NICUs in the U.S. utilize these specialized fortifiers to cater to the nutritional needs of the most vulnerable infants.

Parental Sentiment and Understanding

The survey carried out by OnePoll included responses from 1,000 U.S. parents with children aged four years or younger—specifically highlighting the perspectives of 125 parents whose infants spent time in the NICU. Findings revealed that 95% of parents acknowledged the importance of having a concise list of questions regarding their infants' feeding to discuss with healthcare providers. This percentage rose to a staggering 98% among NICU parents, indicating a strong demand for clarity in communicating nutritional needs during hospital stays.

Despite many parents expressing confidence in knowing what to question about feeding, only a small fraction (7%) were aware that most human milk fortifiers are predominantly made from cow’s milk. Nearly half (48%) of respondents were unsure or would not have known to inquire specifically about whether their child’s nutrition was derived from donor breastmilk or cow’s milk.

Developmental Impact of NICU Nutrition

The nutrition that premature babies receive in their initial weeks can critically shape their developmental trajectory. Studies show that preemies who receive exclusive human milk diets, particularly with Prolacta’s fortifiers, have shown significantly lower rates of motor skill delays by age three compared to those fed cow milk-based products. Moreover, a separate investigation found substantially improved cognitive scores in babies on an exclusive human milk diet over a similar period.

Japan's approval of Prolacta's fortifiers as a prescription product in 2025 marks a monumental moment in neonatal nutritional care, following a successful Phase III clinical trial. As U.S. parents emphasize quality and safety, the rigorous standards upheld by Prolacta reflect the increasing demand for transparency in infant nutrition.

Conclusions and Resources for Parents

In an era where nuanced nutritional choices are becoming essential due to unforeseen circumstances like premature births, parents must have access to clear information regarding their options. Dr. Melinda Elliott, a neonatologist, stresses the importance of parents receiving straightforward information about their babies' nutritional fortifiers. One key question remains paramount: “Is my baby's fortifier made from cow's milk or human milk?”

To address parents' needs, Prolacta has developed a guide that outlines critical feeding questions intended for discussions with NICU care teams. Parents can find this resource and additional information on their website, offering much-needed clarity during a challenging time.

As awareness surrounding the nutritional products available for premature infants grows, education will be a vital tool supporting parental decision-making in the face of critical health challenges.