What Mother Milk Contains

Human milk contains 0.8% to 0.9% protein, 4.5% fat, 7.1% carbohydrates, and 0.2% ash (minerals). Carbohydrates are mainly lactose; several lactose-based oligosaccharides have been identified as minor components.

Is protein present in breast milk?

The proteins of human milk are divided into the whey and casein fractions or complexes, with each comprised by a remarkable array of specific proteins and peptides. The most abundant proteins are casein, α-lactalbumin, lactoferrin, secretory immunoglobulin IgA, lysozyme, and serum albumin.

Why is my breast milk watery?

The milk-making cells in your breasts all produce the same kind of milk. … The longer the time between feeds, the more diluted the leftover milk becomes. This ‘watery’ milk has a higher lactose content and less fat than the milk stored in the milk-making cells higher up in your breast.