What diseases does breast milk protect against?

The Protective Power of Breast Milk
Breast milk is often hailed as nature’s perfect food for infants, but its benefits extend far beyond mere nutrition. Research has consistently shown that breastfeeding plays a crucial role in protecting infants from a variety of diseases, both infectious and non-communicable.
Protection Against Infectious Diseases
One of the most significant advantages of breastfeeding is its ability to shield infants from infectious diseases. Breast milk contains a rich array of antibodies, immune cells, and other bioactive components that bolster the infant’s immune system. For instance, it has been well-documented that breastfeeding reduces the incidence of gastrointestinal infections, respiratory tract infections, and even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The presence of beneficial microbes in breast milk also contributes to the development of a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for overall health and disease prevention.
Moreover, breastfeeding has been linked to lower risks of severe conditions such as necrotizing enterocolitis, a serious intestinal disease that primarily affects premature infants. The protective effects of breast milk are not limited to the early months of life; studies indicate that breastfeeding is associated with long-term health benefits, including reduced risks of infections throughout childhood.
Long-Term Health Benefits
In addition to its immediate protective effects, breastfeeding is associated with a decreased risk of developing non-communicable diseases later in life. Research suggests that breastfed infants have lower risks of conditions such as asthma, obesity, and certain types of cancer. The immune-modulating properties of breast milk may play a role in reducing the likelihood of autoimmune diseases as well.
The Role of Maternal Health
While breast milk is a powerful protective agent, it is important to note that the health of the breastfeeding mother also influences the quality of the milk. Maternal infections can sometimes be transmitted through breast milk, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, the overall risk of transmission is relatively low compared to the protective benefits that breastfeeding provides.
Conclusion
In summary, breast milk serves as a vital source of protection against a wide array of diseases. From reducing the risk of infections in infancy to promoting long-term health and well-being, the benefits of breastfeeding are profound and far-reaching. As research continues to unveil the complexities of breast milk, it becomes increasingly clear that this natural substance is not just food, but a powerful ally in safeguarding the health of infants.

What is passed through breast milk?

Almost any drug that’s present in the blood will transfer into breast milk to some extent. Most medications do so at low levels and pose no real risk to most infants. There are exceptions, though. Some drugs can be found in high levels in breast milk.

What are three illnesses breast milk can protect against?

Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

What does breastmilk protect against?

Breastfeeding can help to reduce your baby’s risk of: infections, with fewer visits to hospital as a result. diarrhoea and vomiting, with fewer visits to hospital as a result. sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

What immunity results from breast milk?

An important number of breast milk-derived cells are transferred to infant before gut closure and lead to more efficient and effective maturation of mucosal immunity and/or systemic immunity (38). These natural human milk bioactive components enhanced immunity in the infant during the first years of life (40).

What are the immune benefits of breast milk?

Human milk also contains anti-idiotypic antibodies capable of enhancing infant antibody response. Maternal milk antibodies coat infant mucosal surfaces and some have a clear protective role. This has been studied extensively in infectious disease models such as rotavirus, E. coli, poliovirus, and retroviruses.

What diseases are prevented by breastfeeding?

Infants who are breastfed have reduced risk of:
Severe lower respiratory disease. Obesity. Type 1 diabetes. Acute otitis media (ear infections).

Can breastmilk help illnesses?

Preventing infections
They help prevent mild to severe infections and hospitalization. Breastfed babies have far fewer digestive, lung, and ear infections. Babies born early (premature) who are breastfed are also less likely to get a serious infection of the intestines called NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis).

What infections does breast milk protect against?

Human milk protects against specific pathogens (viruses, bacteria, and parasites) as well as separate clinical illnesses (eg, necrotizing enterocolitis, bacteremia, meningitis, respiratory tract illness, diarrheal disease, and otitis media) [2].

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.

What diseases does milk prevent?

Increasingly, scientific evidence links dairy foods to a reduced risk of certain chronic health conditions.

• Obesity. Rates of obesity among children and adults continue to climb.
• Metabolic Syndrome and Hypertension.
• Type 2 Diabetes.
• Heart Disease.
• Cancer.