Free aminoacid content in human milk in the first three months of lactation

Free aminoacids constitute part of the non-protein nitrogen fraction of human milk. Although quantitatively non relevant in human milk, they are mole rapidly absorbed than protein derived-aminoacids and contribute to the concentrations of plasma free aminoacids. We have investigated the protein and the free aminoacid content in human hindmilk at colostrum, I month and 3 month-lactation in 30 lactating women. While the protein content decreased from colostrum to the third month, the total free aminoacid progressively? increased. Within free aminoacids the quote of essential aminoacids remained stable while non essential aminoacids increased. The slim of glutamine and glutamic acid increased fourfold from colostrum up to 3 months. The amount of glutamine and glutamic acid could be functionally relevant since they represent the major energy substrates for enterocytes.