National Survey of Human Milk Donors in the United Kingdom: An Additional Step Towards the Development of Nutritional Guidelines for Donors

Background: Pasteurised donor milk in the United Kingdom (U.K.) contains low levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are essential for brain, eye development, and immune system function. Maternal diet influences human milk nutritional profile; however, it is known that milk banks in the U.K. do not provide specific dietary information to donors. Research Aims: The principal research objectives were to identify milk donation patterns, dietary habits and omega-3 PUFA intakes of milk donors in the U.K. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the donors’ attitudes towards receiving nutritional guidelines and taking dietary supplements. Method: From November 2024 until June 2025, we conducted a semi-structured online survey of milk donors from five representative milk banks across the U.K. Data are presented with median, interquartile range (IQR), minimum and maximum values for demographics; numbers of responses and percentages for donation and dietary patterns; mean and standard deviation values for PUFA intake. Results: Out of 55 respondents, 80% completed all survey questions ( n = 45). The answers identified low dietary intake levels in omega-3 PUFAs. Responses to supplement use questions highlighted lack of awareness of the type of supplement to choose and intake recommendations. Additionally, while 87% ( n = 39) of the donors participating in the survey confirmed they had not received nutritional advice, they expressed strong interest in structured guidance, preferably digital. However, concerns around dietary restrictions increasing donors’ stress suggest the need for supportive, non-judgmental education. Conclusion: Our findings emphasise the importance of developing nutritional information resources for milk donors in the U.K.