What immunities are passed through breast milk?

The Immunological Power of Breast Milk
Breast milk is often hailed as nature’s perfect food for infants, but its benefits extend far beyond mere nutrition. One of the most significant advantages of breastfeeding is the transfer of immunities from mother to child, which plays a crucial role in protecting newborns during their early months of life.
Passive Immunity: A Lifeline for Newborns
Newborns enter the world with an immature immune system, making them particularly vulnerable to infections. To combat this, they rely heavily on the passive immunity provided through breast milk. This immunity is primarily facilitated by maternal antibodies, which are transferred to the infant both during pregnancy via the placenta and after birth through breastfeeding. These antibodies, particularly immunoglobulin A (IgA), are vital in safeguarding the infant’s mucosal surfaces, such as the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system, from pathogens.
The Role of Antibodies
Breast milk contains a unique blend of antibodies that are tailored to the specific needs of the infant. Each mother produces a distinct set of antibodies that can help protect against various infections, including those prevalent in her environment. This personalized immunological support is crucial, as it equips the infant with defenses against pathogens they are likely to encounter. Research indicates that these antibodies remain stable throughout lactation, providing ongoing protection as the infant grows.
Active Immunity: A Developing Defense
In addition to passive immunity, breast milk also contributes to the development of active immunity in infants. Components such as T and B lymphocytes, along with various cytokines and growth factors, stimulate the infant’s immune system, promoting the maturation of their own immune responses. This active stimulation is essential for long-term health, as it helps the infant build a robust immune system capable of responding to infections.
Long-Term Health Benefits
The benefits of breastfeeding extend beyond immediate protection against infections. Studies have shown that breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of developing various diseases later in life, including asthma, obesity, and certain cancers. This long-term immunity is thought to arise from the combination of passive and active immunities conferred through breast milk, which helps shape the infant’s immune system during critical developmental periods.
Conclusion
In summary, breast milk serves as a powerful immunological resource for infants, providing both passive and active immunity. Through the transfer of maternal antibodies and the stimulation of the infant’s immune system, breastfeeding not only protects against immediate infections but also lays the groundwork for a healthier future. As research continues to uncover the complexities of breast milk, its role in enhancing infant immunity remains a vital aspect of maternal and child health.

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.

Does breast milk provide lifelong immunity?

“Immune transfer from mother to infant via breastfeeding is a very important source of protection from early life infection. “This is the first demonstration that infection prior to pregnancy can transfer life-long cellular immunity to infants.

What type of immunity do babies get from their mother’s milk?

Before their immune system matures, babies are protected from harmful bacteria by antibodies transferred via the mother’s placenta and through breast milk. These antibodies bind to bacteria in the intestine, preventing them from invading the host.

What nutrients are passed through breast milk?

TABLE 1.

	Infant reliance on BM	Concentrations trend
Vitamin B-12	+	Decreases during first 3–4 mo of lactation
Folate	+	Peaks at 2–3 mo of lactation
Choline	+	Increases rapidly from 7 to 22 d postpartum and remains stable in mature milk
Vitamin C	+	Highest in colostrum, decreases with progression of lactation

Do breastfed children have stronger immune systems?

Research suggests that breastfeeding lowers your baby’s risk of certain diseases and helps build a strong immune system.

What antibodies are passed from mother to baby?

This elicits immunoglobin G (IgG) antibodies, which are passed through the placenta from the parental bloodstream and are secreted into the colostrum and milk that are transferred to the infant via breastfeeding. Maternal antibodies help protect the infant at birth and over the next few months.

Do breastfed babies actually get sick less?

Breastfed babies have fewer infections and hospitalizations than formula-fed infants. During breastfeeding, antibodies and other germ-fighting factors pass from a mother to her baby and strengthen the immune system. This helps lower a baby’s chances of getting many infections, including: ear infections.

What immunity comes from breast milk?

Results: Human milk protects against infections in the breastfed offspring mainly via the secretory IgA antibodies, but also most likely via several other factors like the bactericidal lactoferrin.

What are 5 disadvantages of breastfeeding?

• There can be discomfort involved with breastfeeding.
• You may leak milk at times that are inconvenient or embarrassing.
• Feeding your baby in public may be more difficult.
• Everything you consume is being passed on to your baby.
• You need special clothing and bras for breastfeeding.

How much protection does breast milk provide?

Mortality and risk of infection in breastfed infants vs. nonbreastfed infants is one of the markers of immunological benefits of breastfeeding (262). Indeed, Victora et al. meta-analysis shows that breastfeeding during the first six months of life is strongly protective against infectious diseases (101).