Breast milk is the most complete food for baby, essential for their development and growth during the first six months of life. Benefits of breast milk to which researchers have added one more, and that is to be the best shield protecting against diseases and infections.
An effect that occurs due to its role in the growth of the intestinal flora. And it is that as researchers have found Duke University, USA, in a paper published in Current Nutrition and Food Science, the development of the intestinal flora is different in babies who are breastfed. Specifically, favors greater protection to promote growth of the microbial flora in the intestinal tract. This results in better absorption of nutrients and increased protection of the immune system.
Among the benefits of breast milk and reduce the risks of infection and can lead to health disorders such as diarrhea, respiratory problems or flu, also helps combat development at later stages of the life of more serious disorders such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, or allergies. But researchers were clear from the beginning that could have more beneficial effects and had not yet been revealed. In this case, the experts have focused on the relationship between the power of the newborn and the manner in which the bacteria develop.
To check what role of breast milk, and in particular its nutrients, the investigators developed bacteria in infant formula, cow and maternal. In the latter case, the milk was donated by women and processed for separation of its components (proteins, carbohydrates and fats). Also, a variant of purified breast milk is called also Secretory immunoglobulin A, which is credited with the ability to help establish the immune system of babies.
The different variants of milk used in the study were incubated with the known strains of E.coli, bacteria essential for the front occupants of the intestine. In an immediate reaction, the bacteria multiplied, but they did it differently. So while in breast milk the bacteria were able to form a biofilm to barrier against infections and pathogens, in the cases of both cow’s milk and infant formula the growth of the bacteria was individual, i.e. not formed a protective shield.
This study is the gateway to continue getting to know the benefits of breast milk and, above all, to improve infant formula milk for children who cannot take or receive breast milk.