fbpx

Breast Milk May Contain Essential Immune Protection for Baby

August 7, 2018


A study published by the Journal of American Medical Association Pediatrics found that breast milk contains powerful immune cells.1 According to the study, authored by Dr. Jatinder Bhatia, “Milk is a dynamic, living fluid and changes with the varying demands of the infant.”1 A mother’s breast milk may offer immune protection for her baby after delivery and throughout the first weeks of her baby’s life.

The study published in JAMAP is the first to report the presence of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in fresh breast milk.1 The study’s author, Dr. Bhatia, is chief of the Section of Neonatology, vice chair of clinical research in the MCG Department of Pediatrics, former chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition, and a dedicated advocate for the benefits of breastfeeding.1

The study takes a close look at fresh breast milk from four lactating women. Extensive analysis of cells found in breast milk indicate that the immune cells in breast milk may offer an advantage to babies who breastfeed exclusively during the first weeks of life.1

Breastfeeding Transfers Immune Cells to Baby

The benefits of breastfeeding are numerous, and this study indicates that breast milk may also protect babies from infections during the time that their own immune systems are developing. Although ILCs in breast milk are not yet well understood, it is believed they may bridge the gap between the time when a baby is born and when he or she develops an immune system to fight off bacteria and infections.1

The medical community may be more familiar with the other immune cells present in breastmilk:

  • Lymphocytes (T and B cells) – B cells produce antibodies; IgA, is a numerous antibody found in breastmilk.
  • Macrophages – Macrophages play a crucial role in immune function by cleaning up viruses and bacteria, as well as dead cells.

Although the role of ILCs is still being elucidated when it comes to a naive immune system, they seem to be important in directing white blood cells to attack bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. While ILCs don’t attack viruses and bacteria directly, they release chemical signals that activate disease-fighting white blood cells. This entire process is essential when it’s time for babies to fight off infections or bacteria that could make them sick.

Immune Cells in Breast Milk Help Babies Develop a Healthy Gut Microbiome

A baby’s gut microbiome protects against infection and aids digestion. ILCs may help a baby develop a protective mucosal layer inside the gut. This part of a baby’s development is important for protection from infection. ILCs take up residence throughout a baby’s body. Once the immune system becomes more developed, ILCs play a critical role in inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediated processes of the immune system. Their ultimate duty is to fight off bacteria and infections, keeping baby healthy.1

Support for Breastfeeding Moms & Babies

Breastfeeding mothers need a balanced and healthy diet in addition to adequate nutrition. As part of the breastfeeding preparation process, women should consider their own increased nutritional needs and those of their babies. Prenate® Restore is a once-daily, lactose-free and gluten-free softgel vitamin that supports expecting moms and babies during pregnancy and postpartum.

The nutrients in Prenate® Restore include folic acid, DHA and probiotics. As a prenatal vitamin with probiotics, Prenate® Restore is also appropriate during pregnancy, which means that expecting moms can start supplementation before their babies arrive and continue Prenate® Restore through delivery and postpartum. Talk to your doctor to see if Prenate® Restore is right for you.

Connect with Prenate®

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

WARNING: Ingestion of more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids (such as DHA) per day has been shown to have potential antithrombotic effects, including an increased bleeding time and International Normalized Ratio (INR). Administration of omega-3 fatty acids should be avoided in patients taking anticoagulants and in those known to have an inherited or acquired predisposition to bleeding.

This site and its contents are an information resource only, and are neither intended to nor should be used in replacement of your doctor or other prescribing professional’s medical guidance, recommendations or advice. Neither this site nor its information should be used or relied upon for any diagnostic, medical, treatment, nutritional or other purpose. All aspects of pregnancy, including whether pregnancy is right for you, and the nourishment and care of your child, should be made with your doctor and other appropriate medical professional, and in consideration of your and your child’s particular medical history. Avion Pharmaceuticals, LLC (“Avion”) makes no representation, warranty or other undertaking that this site or its information are appropriate for you or your child’s specific needs or issues, and further expressly disclaims all damages, losses, injuries or liability whatsoever incurred or alleged to have been incurred in consequence of your reliance on the information on this site. Avion does not endorse any test, procedure, treatment, remedy, therapy, cure, nutritional regimen, method or other activity or undertaking that you and/or your doctor or other medical professional may elect or recommend. By visiting this site you agree to these terms and conditions and acknowledge that you have read and understand the same. These terms and conditions, together with any information on this site, may be amended, restated or otherwise changed from time to time and at any time by Avion within the sole, absolute and uncontrolled exercise of its discretion. You acknowledge and agree that Avion has no duty or obligation to keep you informed of any amendments to, restatements of or other changes to these terms and conditions or this site, and that you are solely and exclusively responsible for apprising yourself of the same.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

WARNING: Ingestion of more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids (such as DHA) per day has been shown to have potential antithrombotic effects, including an increased bleeding time and International Normalized Ratio (INR). Administration of omega-3 fatty acids should be avoided in patients taking anticoagulants and in those known to have an inherited or acquired predisposition to bleeding.

This site and its contents are an information resource only, and are neither intended to nor should be used in replacement of your doctor or other prescribing professional’s medical guidance, recommendations or advice. Neither this site nor its information should be used or relied upon for any diagnostic, medical, treatment, nutritional or other purpose. All aspects of pregnancy, including whether pregnancy is right for you, and the nourishment and care of your child, should be made with your doctor and other appropriate medical professional, and in consideration of your and your child’s particular medical history. Avion Pharmaceuticals, LLC (“Avion”) makes no representation, warranty or other undertaking that this site or its information are appropriate for you or your child’s specific needs or issues, and further expressly disclaims all damages, losses, injuries or liability whatsoever incurred or alleged to have been incurred in consequence of your reliance on the information on this site. Avion does not endorse any test, procedure, treatment, remedy, therapy, cure, nutritional regimen, method or other activity or undertaking that you and/or your doctor or other medical professional may elect or recommend. By visiting this site you agree to these terms and conditions and acknowledge that you have read and understand the same. These terms and conditions, together with any information on this site, may be amended, restated or otherwise changed from time to time and at any time by Avion within the sole, absolute and uncontrolled exercise of its discretion. You acknowledge and agree that Avion has no duty or obligation to keep you informed of any amendments to, restatements of or other changes to these terms and conditions or this site, and that you are solely and exclusively responsible for apprising yourself of the same.

Pin It on Pinterest