Which antibody is passed through breast milk?

The Role of Antibodies in Breast Milk
Breast milk is often heralded as a vital source of nutrition for infants, but its benefits extend far beyond mere sustenance. One of the most significant aspects of breast milk is its rich content of antibodies, which play a crucial role in protecting newborns from infections and diseases.
Key Antibody: Secretory Immunoglobulin A (SIgA)
The primary antibody found in breast milk is Secretory Immunoglobulin A (SIgA). This antibody acts as a frontline defense mechanism for infants, particularly in their gastrointestinal tract. As babies breastfeed, SIgA is transferred into their mouths and subsequently coats their gastrointestinal lining, effectively preventing harmful pathogens from entering their bodies. This protective layer is essential, especially in the early months of life when an infant’s immune system is still developing.
Immunoglobulins and Their Protective Functions
In addition to SIgA, breast milk contains other types of immunoglobulins, including Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM). These antibodies contribute to the infant’s immune defense by neutralizing viruses and bacteria, thereby reducing the risk of infections. The presence of these antibodies is particularly beneficial in the early days of life, as colostrum—the first milk produced after childbirth—is exceptionally rich in these immune factors.
Recent Findings on COVID-19 Antibodies
Recent studies have highlighted the ability of breast milk to transfer COVID-19 antibodies from vaccinated mothers to their infants. Research indicates that after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, mothers exhibit a significant increase in the levels of immunoglobulin A antibodies in their breast milk, which can help protect their babies from the virus. This finding underscores the dynamic nature of breast milk, adapting to provide specific immune support based on maternal health and vaccination status.
Conclusion
The antibodies passed through breast milk, particularly SIgA, play a pivotal role in safeguarding infants against infections during their vulnerable early months. As research continues to evolve, the understanding of how maternal antibodies, including those against specific pathogens like COVID-19, are transferred through breast milk will further illuminate the profound impact of breastfeeding on infant health. This natural process not only nourishes but also fortifies the immune system of newborns, laying a foundation for their long-term health.

What antibodies are passed through breast milk?

Breast Milk-Derived SIgA Strengthens the Intestinal Barrier
Epidemiological studies have provided support for the concept that SIgA antibodies in breast milk provide protection against a wide range of bacterial, viral and parasitic infections in suckling infants (for a review, see ref. 11).

Do breastfed babies 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.

Which antibody is found in mother’s milk?

These maternal milk antibodies include IgA, IgG and IgM isotypes as well as the secretory forms of IgA and IgM. Although all three major classes of immunoglobulins are present in human colostrum and milk, only IgA and IgM are locally produced in the human mammary gland.

What passes through breast milk?

Foods and drinks to avoid while breastfeeding
Caffeine passes into breastmilk, so large amounts of tea, coffee and cola drinks are best avoided. Drinking small amounts of drinks with caffeine (3 or less drinks a day) should not be a problem. Alcohol also passes into breastmilk and can affect your baby.

Which antibody is transferred from mother?

Placental transfer of maternal IgG antibodies to the fetus is an important mechanism that provides protection to the infant while his/her humoral response is inefficient. IgG is the only antibody class that significantly crosses the human placenta.

What is IgM, IgG, IgA, IgD, IgE?

There are five immunoglobulin classes (isotypes) of antibody molecules found in serum: IgG, IgM, IgA, IgE, and IgD. They are distinguished by the type of heavy chain they contain.

What antibodies are passed from mother to fetus?

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.

What substances are passed through breast milk?

During breastfeeding, it is important for a woman not to consume alcohol, smoke, or take drugs. These substances are known to pass through the breast milk. This information can help mothers to understand better about the consequences of smoking, using drugs, and drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

What bacteria is passed through breast milk?

Infections can appear in breast milk in many ways. These routes to infection include the contamination of the milk after it leaves the breast, or by damaged cells or fluid in the breast milk itself. When breast milk becomes infected, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus are the most common bacteria found.

What type of immunity is provided by 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).