We all know that breastfeeding is very important for the baby, as it helps to strengthen its immune system and provides everything it needs for its proper development. Its composition is unique and adapted to each baby, and there is nothing that can replace it.
To all the well-known benefits, there is a new one recently discovered by researchers at the University of Iowa: a component capable of destroying harmful bacteria while promoting the development of other beneficial bacteria for the body.
A more selective compound than antibiotics
The study, which has been carried out jointly by researchers from the University of Iowa and the prestigious National Jewish Health Hospital (Denver – United States), has identified a compound in human breast milk that would help fight infections caused by bacteria pathogens Staphylococcus aureus , Bacillus subtilis, and Clostridium perfringens , while allowing the growth of beneficial bacteria, Enterococcus faecilis , to flourish.
But in addition to this important finding, researchers have also shown that GML inhibits inflammation in the epithelial cells that line the intestine and other mucosal surfaces. When this inflammation occurs, the body is more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections.
“Our findings show that high levels of GML are unique to human breast milk and strongly inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria” – said Professor of Pediatrics and study author Donald Leung.
“Although antibiotics can fight bacterial infections in nursing babies, beneficial bacteria are destroyed along with pathogens. But GML is much more selective and fights only pathogenic bacteria while allowing beneficial species to flourish” – says Patrick Schlievert , professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine.
Could be used as an additive in infant formulas
Because of all these benefits, scientists hope to use GML in human milk as an additive to be incorporated into infant formulas and cow’s milk, with the aim of promoting the health of babies around the world.
Countless benefits for the baby
Increasingly, the immune benefits are attributed to breast milk . So much so, that Unicef already considers it the first vaccine that a baby can receive, since in addition to antibodies, it contains substances such as amino acids, growth factors, vitamins … that contribute to the development and health of the child.
But the transfer of immunity that breast milk provides is not only effective while the baby is breastfeeding, it continues to protect it even after breastfeeding has ended. That is, breastfeeding not only brings benefits in the short and medium term, but also in your future health.
In this sense, let us remember that breastfeeding would reduce the risk of suffering from infections, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, candidiasis, certain childhood cancers, type 1 and 2 diabetes, and obesity. In addition, it would act as a powerful shield against respiratory diseases, since it considerably reduces the risk of panting and wheezing in the baby in its first years of life.
In short, breast milk is a true “liquid gold” with a positive impact on the physical and emotional health of mother and baby , both in the short and long term. Its components are adapted to the needs of the nursing child at each stage, which makes it a living liquid impossible to match.
Photo / iStock
VÃa / National Jewish Health
In Babies and More / Breastfeeding prepares the child for chewing and benefits their correct oral development, Breastfeeding beyond six months: these are the short and long-term benefits for the health of the baby and the mother, Milk maternal has no advantages for the baby (it is the artificial one that has disadvantages)
