Analytical method validation and quantitation of 3-fucosyllactose in Korean maternal milk by mass spectrometry

The concentration of human milk oligosaccharides has gained significant attention recently due to their positive effects on infant health. However, the concentration of 3-fucosyllactose(3-FL) in Korean mother milk has not been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the concentration of 3-FL in Korean human milk using mass spectrometry. The analytical method for quantitating 3-FL was validated to have high precision, accuracy, linearity, specificity, stability, recovery, and reproducibility. The concentration of 3-FL was then determined in 102 Korean human milk samples. The results showed that the 3-FL concentration increased during lactation, with values of 1.0, 1.1, and 1.8 g/L in 0–30, 30–60, and > 60 postpartum days, respectively. Notably, the 3-FL level in secretors (1.3 g/L, n = 80) was significantly lower than in non-secretors (2.8 g/L, n = 24). These findings provide useful information for future research, as well as for setting the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) value and formulating baby food composition.