Just so we get a more complete picture of the use of human milk fortifier for
preterms, I suggest that some Lactnetters might want to read a recent patent
called "Powdered human milk fortifier" patent # 6294206 dated 9/25/01.  The
inventor is Barrett-Reis, et al. and the assignee is Abbott Labs.  patent web
site is:
http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html

Like infant formulas for term infants, human milk fortifiers are made through
trial and error.  Thus, this patent explains why the previous formulations
for human milk fortifiers are inappropriate for preterm infants.  The patent
mentions that preterm infants receiving a particular brand of powdered human
milk fortifier demonstrated poor fat absorption.  Additonally, the patent
discusses residues that cling to the walls of reconstitution containers from
this particular fortifier which suggests that infants were not receiving all
the nutrients.  It is mentioned that this previous fortifier has protein
precipitation issues because of the high levels of calcium. (thus levels of
protein utilized by the preterm were much less than expected).

This patent also discusses where they will obtain certain ingredients for
this fortifier. Yes, they will get the DHA from Martek(biotech company) and
the AA (Arachidonic acid) will come from a corporation called Genzyme.  Yes,
Genzyme is a biotech company and the probablity is high that the AA is
genetically engineered.  They are getting their soy and hydrolyzed soy
proteins from Protein Technologies International (Dupont/Nemours).  Corn
protein from a company called EnerGenetics (another biotech company).

Thus, we have an interesting mixture.  I believe that this mixture has a high
probability of various genetically engineered products in it.  The belief is
that this experimental mixture is more suited to the preterm (or very
preterm--patent is intended for both) than human milk. Yet, we have over 600
patents on human milk components that will be used in the drug, formula and
meat industry(genetically modified human lactoferrin to protect meat from
e.coli among other infections), but we believe that fortifiers are safer to
use than human milk by itself.   The components of preterm milk are more
desired than term milk by some patents.

We are told that there is plenty of evidence of human milk fortification for
preterm infants(or should I say very preterm infants??).  Yet Carrie Finger's
post gives us the web site from the US National Institute of Health that says
that "there is no randomized controlled data evalutating clinical outcomes of
calcium and phosphorus supplementation of human milk for preterm infants on
which to base practice recommendations." The excellent web site from the
Canadian Pediatric Society that Marian Rigney mentions says the same
thing--no data.

One might suppose that in questioning the use of human milk fortifiers, that
I and others who have similiar questions are opposed to human milk fortifiers
because they aren't "natural."  One might assume that because we might
envision that infants might do well on human milk alone, that we would also
be opposed to ventilator support or artificial surfactant for preterms. (as
Maureen Allen posted 4/6/02)  I am not sure why one would make that
assumption.  If I hadn't read those darn patents on human milk components
owned by drug and formula companies, I might never have questioned the
fortification of human milk.  The drug and infant formula companies think
human milk has substantial healing powers.  Such amazing healing powers that
they are willing to patent the components to be put in drugs and infant
formula (sprayed on meats, etc). Yet would we assume that these industries
are "naturalists?"  Are these industries backwards looking?  No, they covet
the real thing and are making a huge bid to own it.  And if we buy into
thinking that human milk is only the gold standard for term infants, then we
are surely helping them "own" it.
Valerie W. McClain, IBCLC

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