The impact of maternal ultra processed food (UPF) consumption on human milk components as contribution to SDG 3: A scoping review

Abstract

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) recently supply a large share of dietary energy among women of reproductive age. Human milk as ideal infant nutrition is sensitive to maternal diet which affects the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3). Whether maternal UPF consumption alters human milk components remains poorly mapped. Hence, this study aims to map available evidence on maternal UPF consumption and human milk components and to discuss implications for SDG 3. This scoping review searches in several databases; PubMed, scopus, and sage. Eligible sources linked maternal intake on processed food to any human milk component. The 11 included studies demonstrated that maternal diet influenced breastmilk composition in a component-specific manner. Supplementation as processed substances increased milk vitamins A, D, and E specifically. Additionally, fatty acid profiles responded to dietary patterns, while calcium and iodine showed limited responses. UPF consumption was associated with unfavorable milk profiles such as low DHA and high saturated fatty acids or pollutant load. Macronutrients remained stable. Emerging evidence linked diet quality to milk leptin and infant immune outcomes. Most studies examined supplementation or dietary patterns rather than UPF exposure directly. In conclusion, processed food consumption among mothers are reported affecting breastmilk component.