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Seal Milk More Complex Than Human Milk, Study Finds
25 Nov
Summary
- Seal milk contains 332 different types of complex sugars.
- This is significantly more than the 100-250 found in human milk.
- These sugars may offer future applications in human medicine and conservation.
New research reveals that the milk produced by Atlantic gray seals possesses a chemical complexity that surpasses that of human milk. Scientists analyzing seal milk samples discovered an astonishing 332 different types of oligosaccharide sugars, a number significantly higher than the approximately 100-250 found in human milk. These sugars are crucial for a mammal's development, supporting the immune system and gut microbiome.
The study, led by Daniel Bojar, analyzed milk samples collected from seals off the coast of Scotland. The process, though challenging due to the protective nature of mother seals, yielded valuable insights. The intricate sugar structures found in seal milk are believed to be an evolutionary adaptation to support the unique survival needs of seal pups during their brief lactation period.
This discovery challenges the long-held notion of human milk as the pinnacle of mammalian milk complexity. Researchers suggest that understanding the benefits of these complex sugars could lead to future advancements in human medicine and aid in the conservation efforts for marine mammals, highlighting milk's diverse and vital roles.
