Global evolution of research on breast milk composition: a bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Breast milk is the optimal source of infant nutrition, with its composition influencing growth, development, and immune function. As interest in its bioactive components has increased, mapping research trends in this field is essential. This study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research on breast milk composition. Publications indexed in the Scopus database from 1983 to 2024 were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were computed in Microsoft® Excel®, and VOSviewer (version 1.6.20) was used for bibliometric mapping. A total of 4,289 documents were retrieved, comprising 3,658 original articles (85.3%) and 631 reviews (14.7%). Output increased steadily, with a sharp rise between 2019 and 2023, peaking in 2022. Research originated from 133 countries, led by the United States (28.0%), China (7.9%), and the United Kingdom (7.5%). The University of California, Davis, and the University of Western Australia were the most productive institutions, while the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the National Natural Science Foundation of China were the top funders. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified 7 major thematic clusters, including the gut micro­biome, fatty acids, micronutrients, maternal obe­sity, and human milk oligosaccharides. Over time, research has shifted from a primary focus on fatty acids to emerging themes such as microbiome interactions and the influence of mater­nal health and diet. To our knowledge, this is the first bib­liometric study offering a global per­spective on breast milk composition research. These findings highlight evolving research pri­orities and provide evidence to guide future investigations, funding strategies, and policies that support breastfeeding and improve maternal-infant health outcomes worldwide.