Human milk is universal — and its potential health benefits extend to humans of all ages, not just infants. At UC San Diego, the Human Milk Institute (HMI) is uncovering its far-reaching potential, from supporting infant growth to influencing health across the lifespan. By uniting research, clinical care and community partnerships, HMI is translating the science of human milk into knowledge and solutions that benefit people of all ages.
Human milk is a complex, living substance, filled with molecules, antibodies, cells and bacteria that shape early development and long-term health. Yet despite its importance, so much about human milk remains unknown.
HMI brings together researchers, clinicians, educators and engineers to study every aspect of this remarkable substance, from its molecular composition to its social and public health impact. As the world’s first research institute devoted solely to human milk, HMI fosters a multidisciplinary ecosystem across UC San Diego, connecting biomedical science, engineering, social sciences and public health. Through these collaborations, the institute advances clinical care, informs health policy and ensures families have access to the knowledge and resources they need to benefit from human milk.
The potential impact of human milk extends far beyond infancy. HMI researchers are exploring how its molecular and cellular components can inform treatments for diseases affecting preterm infants, as well as conditions later in life, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. They are also studying how human milk and breastfeeding are shaped by environmental exposures, medications and infectious diseases — including research during the COVID-19 pandemic that confirmed the virus is not transmitted through breast milk.
Beyond the laboratory, the institute trains healthcare providers and scientists, builds community partnerships locally and globally and works to ensure equitable access to human milk. By translating research into practical solutions, HMI is harnessing the power of human milk to improve health for people of all ages.
