Determine Energy Density of Human Milk?

The energy density of human milk depends on the relative proportions of protein, fat and the principal carbohydrate, lactose. Lactose content is -7 g/dl and protein 0.9-1.0 g/dl. Lactose contributes 40-45% of the calories and protein 5-6%. Fat concentration and energy density may not affect total energy intake of' breastfed infants since those who nurse on demand apparently compensate for a lower milk energy density by consuming higher volume of milk. Triglycerides constitute 98% of milk lipid with wide diversity in the fatty acid composition. Medium chain fatty acids are synthesized only in mammary alveolar cells while both saturated and unsaturated acids (>=I6 C atoms) are derived either from diet or fat stores.