Pasteurized donated breast milk contains adequate nutrition to support healthy infant growth, according to a 2026 study of 146 babies in India. The milk averaged 61 calories per 100 milliliters with 1.69 grams of protein and important minerals including 213.68 milligrams of calcium. All babies receiving this milk showed significant growth in weight, length, and head circumference, with protein content directly linked to better growth outcomes.
When babies can’t drink their own mother’s milk, donated breast milk from milk banks can be a lifesaver. Researchers in India tested donated breast milk to see what nutrients it contains and how it affects baby growth. They found that the milk had good amounts of protein, fat, and important minerals like calcium and iron. Babies who received this milk grew well in weight, length, and head size. The study shows that donated breast milk is nutritious and helps babies develop properly, which is especially important in countries where babies may not have access to formula or their mother’s milk.
Key Statistics
A 2026 observational study of 146 infants in India found that pasteurized donor breast milk contained an average of 61.09 kcal/dL energy, 1.69 g/dL protein, and 1.94 g/dL fat, supporting significant growth across all measured parameters.
According to research reviewed by Gram, protein content in donated breast milk showed moderate to strong positive correlations with infant weight gain (p=0.019), length increase (p=0.049), and head circumference growth (p=0.046).
A 2026 analysis of 13 batches of pasteurized donor human milk found calcium levels of 213.68 mg/dL, zinc at 0.42 mg/dL, and iron at 0.1 mg/dL, with all 146 infants studied demonstrating significant growth over six weeks.
Research shows that donated breast milk composition varies by donor characteristics, with higher-protein batches linked to improved infant growth outcomes in a study of 146 newborns in southern India.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether donated breast milk from milk banks has the right nutrients and if it helps babies grow normally
- Who participated: 146 newborn babies in a hospital in southern India who received donated breast milk between January and October 2023
- Key finding: Donated breast milk contained good levels of protein, fat, and minerals. Babies who received it showed significant growth in weight, length, and head size, with protein content directly linked to better growth
- What it means for you: If your baby can’t receive your own breast milk, donated breast milk from a milk bank is a nutritious alternative that supports healthy growth. This is especially valuable in areas with limited access to formula
The Research Details
Researchers collected 13 batches of donated breast milk from a milk bank in India and tested them to measure their nutritional content. They used special machines to measure proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and important minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc. Then they gave this milk to 146 babies in the hospital and tracked how much the babies grew over time—measuring weight, length, and head size when they left the hospital and again six weeks later. This approach let them see if the nutrition in the milk matched up with how well the babies actually grew.
Understanding what nutrients are actually in donated breast milk is crucial because babies in hospitals—especially premature or sick babies—depend on it for survival and growth. By measuring the milk and comparing it to baby growth, researchers can make sure milk banks are providing high-quality nutrition. This matters most in countries where formula may be expensive or hard to find.
This study used precise laboratory equipment to measure nutrients, which makes the measurements reliable. The researchers tracked real babies over time and measured actual growth, not just theoretical outcomes. However, the study was done in one hospital in India, so results may not apply everywhere. The study also didn’t compare donated milk to other feeding options, so we can’t say it’s definitely better than formula—just that it works well.
What the Results Show
The donated breast milk tested in this study contained an average of 61 calories per 100 milliliters, with 1.69 grams of protein, 1.94 grams of fat, and 7.47 grams of carbohydrates. For minerals, the milk contained 213.68 milligrams of calcium, 0.42 milligrams of zinc, and 0.1 milligrams of iron per 100 milliliters. These numbers show that donated breast milk has solid nutrition. All 146 babies who received this milk grew significantly over the study period—their weight, length, and head circumference all increased noticeably from hospital discharge to six weeks later. The researchers found that batches with higher protein content were linked to babies gaining more weight and growing longer, suggesting that protein is especially important for infant growth.
The study found that the nutritional content of donated breast milk varied from batch to batch, and these differences were connected to characteristics of the milk donors themselves. This suggests that donor health, diet, and other factors influence milk quality. The consistent growth across all measured areas (weight, length, and head size) indicates that the milk supported balanced development, not just weight gain.
Previous research has shown that breast milk is the gold standard for infant nutrition, but less is known about how well donated and processed breast milk compares. This study adds important information by showing that pasteurized donated milk (milk that’s been heat-treated to kill germs) still contains good nutrition and supports healthy growth. The nutrient levels found here are similar to what other studies have reported for donated breast milk in other countries.
This study only looked at babies in one hospital in India, so the results may not apply to all babies everywhere. The researchers didn’t compare donated milk to formula or to babies fed their own mother’s milk, so we can’t say donated milk is better—just that it works. The study also didn’t follow babies for a long time after six weeks, so we don’t know about long-term effects. Finally, the study didn’t measure all possible nutrients, just the main ones.
The Bottom Line
Gram Research analysis shows that pasteurized donated breast milk is a nutritious feeding option for babies who cannot receive their own mother’s milk. Healthcare providers should consider milk banking as a valuable resource, especially in areas with limited access to formula. Parents should know that donated milk undergoes safety testing and pasteurization to kill harmful germs. Confidence level: Moderate—the evidence is solid but comes from one location.
This research matters most for parents of premature or sick babies in hospitals, families in low-income areas, and healthcare workers at milk banks and NICUs (newborn intensive care units). It’s especially relevant in countries where formula is expensive or hard to access. The findings may be less directly applicable to families in wealthy countries with abundant formula options, though donated milk is still a valuable backup.
Babies in this study showed measurable growth within the first six weeks of receiving donated milk. You would likely see weight gain and length increase within weeks, though head growth may take slightly longer to become obvious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is donated breast milk safe and nutritious for babies?
Yes, pasteurized donated breast milk is both safe and nutritious. A 2026 study of 146 babies found it contained adequate protein (1.69 g/dL), fat, and minerals like calcium (213.68 mg/dL), supporting healthy growth in weight, length, and head size.
How does donated breast milk compare to formula for baby growth?
This study shows donated milk supports good growth, but it didn’t directly compare it to formula. Breast milk is considered the gold standard, and donated milk retains most of those benefits after pasteurization for safety.
What nutrients are in pasteurized donor breast milk?
Pasteurized donor milk contains approximately 61 calories, 1.69g protein, 1.94g fat, and 7.47g carbohydrates per 100mL. It also provides minerals: 213.68mg calcium, 0.42mg zinc, and 0.1mg iron per 100mL.
Can donated breast milk help premature babies grow better?
Research suggests yes. A 2026 study found that babies receiving donated breast milk showed significant growth in weight, length, and head circumference, with higher protein content linked to better growth outcomes.
Where can I get donated breast milk for my baby?
Contact your hospital’s NICU or ask your pediatrician about certified milk banks in your area. Milk banks screen donors and pasteurize milk to ensure safety. Availability varies by location and healthcare system.
Want to Apply This Research?
- If your baby receives donated breast milk, track weekly weight gain (target: 15-30 grams per week for newborns), length measurements monthly, and head circumference monthly. Compare these to standard growth charts for your baby’s age.
- Work with your healthcare provider to access a certified milk bank if your baby needs supplemental feeding. Keep detailed records of which milk batches your baby receives and note any changes in feeding tolerance or growth patterns.
- Schedule growth checks every 2-4 weeks with your pediatrician. Use a growth chart app to plot weight, length, and head circumference over time. If growth slows unexpectedly, discuss with your doctor whether milk quality or other factors may be involved.
This research describes the nutritional composition of donated breast milk and its association with infant growth in one hospital setting. These findings should not replace personalized medical advice from your pediatrician or healthcare provider. Always consult with your doctor before making feeding decisions for your baby, especially if your infant has special health needs, allergies, or medical conditions. Donated breast milk should only be obtained from certified milk banks that follow safety and screening protocols. Individual babies may respond differently to donated milk based on their unique health status and needs.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.