Global Trends and Research Hotspots in Human Milk Research for Preterm Infants A Bibliometric Analysis

ABSTRACT Background: Human milk plays a critical role in improving survival and health outcomes in preterm infants, making it a key focus of clinical and scientific research. Purpose: This study aimed to examine trends in scientific output, thematic development, and international collaboration networks in research on human milk in preterm infants using bibliometric analysis. Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using data retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection and PubMed databases between February and March 2026. Data were analyzed using the Bibliometrix package and Biblioshiny interface in RStudio. Analyses included annual scientific output, citation analysis, logistic growth modeling, Bradford's and Lotka's laws, keyword trends, conceptual structure, and collaboration networks. Results: The analyzed studies were published between 1977 and 2026, showing an annual growth rate of 4.34%. A marked increase in publications was observed after 2011, with a peak in 2021. Bradford's Law identified Breastfeeding Medicine , Journal of Human Lactation , and Advances in Neonatal Care as the most productive journals. Meier P. was the most prolific author, with productivity consistent with Lotka's law. The United States had the highest scientific output, while low- and middle-income countries showed limited contribution. Keyword and conceptual analyses revealed a shift from general neonatal nutrition to more specialized topics such as human milk and lactation management in preterm infants. Implications for Practice and Research: These findings indicate that research on human milk in preterm infants is evolving toward a mature and clinically focused field, highlighting the need for high-quality, collaborative, and context-specific studies.