Oligosaccharides, polyamines and sphingolipids in ruminant milk

As a result of the widespread applications and the use of milk and milk products in human nutrition, intense scientific interest has focused on identifying the components in milk that may be relevant to improving human health. Milk contains a heterogeneous mixture of secretory compounds with a wide variety of chemical and functional activities. Among these compounds, many indigenous minor bioactive compounds are present. This review provides an overview of the available knowledge on the polyamines, oligosaccharides and sphingolipids occurring in goat and sheep milk compared to cow milk. It has been highlighted that goat milk is richer in polyamines than is milk from other mammals and that the former represents a very appealing source of human-like oligosaccharides. Furthermore, it is interesting to note the effect that breed and polymorphism at the CSN1S1 locus exerts on the polar lipid content and oligosaccharides profile. Goat and sheep milk production plays an important role in the nutrition and economy of many countries around the world, especially in the Mediterranean area. Information on the bioactive properties of goat and sheep milk is an important tool for their use as a nutritional source for infants, in medicinal foods and for developing new markets.