Can breastmilk fight infections?

The Protective Power of Breast Milk Against Infections
Breast milk is often heralded as nature’s perfect food for infants, but its benefits extend far beyond mere nutrition. One of the most significant advantages of breastfeeding is its ability to combat infections and bolster the immune system of newborns. This protective effect is attributed to a complex array of bioactive components found in breast milk, which work together to shield infants from various pathogens.
Immune Factors in Breast Milk
Human breast milk is rich in immunologic factors that play a crucial role in fighting infections. These include antibodies, particularly immunoglobulin A (IgA), which coats the mucosal surfaces of the infant’s gut, providing a first line of defense against pathogens. Additionally, breast milk contains lactoferrin, an iron-binding glycoprotein that exhibits antimicrobial properties. Lactoferrin has been shown to prevent infections such as neonatal sepsis and diarrhea, making it a vital component of an infant’s immune arsenal.
Moreover, breastfeeding has been linked to a lower incidence of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections in infants. Studies indicate that breastfeeding not only provides immediate immune protection but also has long-term benefits, potentially reducing the risk of infections well into childhood.
The Role of Microbes
Interestingly, breast milk is also a source of beneficial microbes that contribute to the development of a healthy gut microbiome in infants. This microbiome is essential for digestion and plays a significant role in the immune system. The unique composition of breast milk helps establish a diverse and balanced microbiome, which can further enhance the infant’s ability to fend off infections.
Research and Future Implications
Recent research has even explored the potential of breast milk in combating emerging infectious diseases. For instance, studies have investigated the role of breast milk in the context of viral infections, including the coronavirus. The idea is that the antibodies present in breast milk could provide some level of protection against such viruses, although more research is needed to fully understand these dynamics.
Conclusion
In summary, breast milk is not just a source of nutrition; it is a powerful ally in the fight against infections. Its rich composition of antibodies, antimicrobial proteins, and beneficial microbes equips infants with the tools they need to develop a robust immune system. As research continues to unveil the complexities of breast milk, its role in promoting health and preventing disease remains a vital area of interest for both healthcare professionals and new parents alike.

What is the minimum amount of breastmilk to benefit a baby?

In fact, there is some research that indicates that even as little as 50 ml of breastmilk per day may help prevent disease in breastfed babies. Additionally, our body recognizes the importance of this protection and increases the concentration of SigA as our milk supply begins to decrease.

Can a mother pass an infection through breast milk?

Breast milk can occasionally transmit serious viral and bacterial infections to preterm infants. We present three cases of late-onset neonatal sepsis, including one that resulted in death, occurring in preterm infants. The likely source of the microorganisms in all three cases was expressed breast milk.

Are breastfed babies less likely to get RSV?

Infants receiving (exclusive or partial) maternal milk had lower risk of RSV bronchiolitis. Partial breastfeeding reduces risk of hospitalisation.

Why is breast milk so healing?

It contains live cells, antibodies, and hormones that work to protect and heal your baby from illness and disease. Did you know that breastmilk lowers your child’s risk of asthma, obesity, SIDS, diabetes, ear infections, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal infections, and childhood leukemia?

Will my breastmilk help my sick baby?

Benefits of nursing your sick baby
Each time your baby nurses, saliva transmits information about his or her immune system to your breast milk — and your breast milk’s composition adapts to that information. As a result, it shifts nutrients and antibodies to help your baby fight off pathogens when ill.

Is breast milk a natural antibiotic?

Laboratory and clinical studies have supported that human breast milk is able to decrease bacterial-related diarrhea 9, urinary tract infection 10,11, and many other diseases associated with bacterial infection 12.

Do breastfeeding moms get sick less?

Breastfeeding has health benefits for both babies and mothers. Breast milk provides a baby with ideal nutrition and supports growth and development. Breastfeeding can also help protect baby and mom against certain illnesses and diseases.

Does breast milk help fight infections?

Along with antibodies, breast milk delivers proteins, fats, sugars and even white blood cells that work to fight infection in many ways. As breast milk enters your baby’s system, infection-fighting elements work with your baby’s intestine even before nutrients are broken down and absorbed into the bloodstream.

What illnesses should you not breastfeed?

When Should I Not Breastfeed My Baby?

• If the mother has been infected with HIV or has AIDS.
• Many medications taken by the mother may pass onto the baby via breast milk.
• Mothers with cancer who are taking cancer chemotherapy medications also cannot breastfeed their babies.

Can a breastfeeding mother treat an infection?

“If you are taking an antibiotic to stop the spread of infection, there are many which are considered safe to take while breastfeeding, including penicillins and erythromycin,” says Alan Lindemann, MD, an OB-GYN and co-author of Modern Medicine: What You’re Dying to Know.