What substance in breast milk kills cancer cells?

The Surprising Power of Breast Milk in Cancer Research
Breast milk, often hailed as the gold standard for infant nutrition, has recently garnered attention for its potential role in cancer treatment. Researchers have identified a unique substance within breast milk known as lactoferrin, which has shown promising anti-cancer properties.
Understanding Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin is a multifunctional glycoprotein that is naturally found in various bodily fluids, including saliva, tears, and, most notably, breast milk. It plays a crucial role in the immune system and has been associated with a variety of health benefits. In the context of cancer, lactoferrin has demonstrated the ability to inhibit tumor growth and induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in certain cancer cells.
Mechanisms of Action
The mechanisms by which lactoferrin exerts its anti-cancer effects are multifaceted:
1. Antioxidant Properties: Lactoferrin helps combat oxidative stress, which is a known contributor to cancer development. By neutralizing free radicals, it may protect cells from DNA damage that can lead to malignancy.
2. Modulation of Immune Response: The protein enhances the body’s immune response, increasing the activity of natural killer (NK) cells that are essential for targeting and destroying cancer cells.
3. Inhibition of Cancer Cell Proliferation: Studies have indicated that lactoferrin can slow down the proliferation of cancer cells, particularly in breast, colon, and prostate cancers.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Chronic inflammation is a significant risk factor for many cancers. Lactoferrin’s anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce this risk, thus contributing to its protective role against cancer.
Research and Future Directions
While the anti-cancer properties of lactoferrin are promising, research is still in the early stages. Several studies have explored its effects in vitro and in animal models, but clinical trials in humans are necessary to fully understand its potential. Researchers are investigating whether lactoferrin, either through supplementation or as part of a broader treatment strategy, could enhance existing cancer therapies or serve as a preventive measure.
Conclusion
The discovery of lactoferrin’s potential in cancer treatment exemplifies the complex and often surprising benefits of natural substances found in breast milk. As research continues, lactoferrin could play a pivotal role in the development of new therapeutic strategies against cancer, underscoring the importance of breastfeeding not just for nutritional benefits but also for its potential health implications throughout life.

What do cancer cells do with lactate?

Using new metabolomics technologies, the researchers found that cancer cells can use the compound lactate to fuel biochemical reactions and to generate other compounds needed for cell growth, such as lipids to build new cellular membranes.

What beneficial substance is found in breast milk?

Healthy nutrients
These include sugar (carbohydrate) and protein. Breastmilk has the nutrients that are best for your baby’s brain growth and nervous system development. Studies of breastfed babies have found that they do better on intelligence tests when they grow older. A breastfed baby’s eyes also work better.

What is the most important thing in breast milk?

Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins. There are five basic forms of antibodies and all of them can be found in your milk. They protect your baby against illnesses and infections by neutralising bacteria and viruses.

What fuels cancer cells?

Cancer cells can take up glucose, glutamine, amino acids, lysophospholipids, acetate, and extracellular protein and use these fuels to supply their pools of macromolecular precursors for cellular proliferation.

Can breast milk contain cancer cells?

Breast milk can be one source of cancer cells as it contains a variety of cell types (4). Cells from breast milk have been cultured and characterized for stemness activity and have been suggested to be a source of cells for regenerative medicine (4,5).

What cells destroy breast cancer cells?

The killer T-cells can then detect and destroy the cancer cells. The scientists found breast cancer cells use a protein on their surface, a so-called cell surface receptor called CCR2, in an unexpected way.

Why is dairy linked to breast cancer?

Dairy products contain estrogens and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), hormones that naturally occur in cow’s milk. Consuming dairy products can lead to excess levels of these hormones in the body, which are linked to breast and prostate cancers.

Why do bodybuilders drink breast milk?

“I think the idea behind drinking breast milk for muscle growth is that it’s incredibly calorie and nutrient dense, and it has some additional healthy substances,” says Brian St. Pierre, a sports dietitian with Precision Nutrition.

What hormone in milk causes cancer?

Recent findings: Evidence indicates that dairy consumption, particularly milk, can decrease colorectal cancer risk. However, cow’s milk, a key dairy product, exposes individuals to growth hormones, notably insulin-like growth factor-1, potentially elevating cancer risk.

Is rBST still used?

Milk from rBST-treated cows is used in dairy products including ice cream, butter, cheese and yogurt. The United States does not require companies to label the use of rBST in their products, although it was banned in the European Union in 1990.