Children who are Breastfed have a Stronger Immunity: Fact or Myth - Dr Rahul J Verma

Breast milk stands as an irrefutable testament to nature's perfect design for nourishing infants. It furnishes all the essential nutrients in optimal proportions, facilitating easy digestion for newborns. An additional advantage is its profound impact on bolstering a baby's immune system.

Breast milk is a miraculous fluid that provides numerous benefits to newborns, particularly in terms of their immune system. The antibodies present in breast milk have a crucial role to play in protecting the baby from infections and illnesses.

The first milk produced after birth, known as colostrum, is a precious liquid that contains a high concentration of these antibodies. It is often referred to as "liquid gold" due to its exceptional properties.

Regular breastfeeding sessions ensure that the baby continues to receive a steady supply of these immune-boosting elements, which act as a shield against a wide range of infections and diseases. The immunological benefits of breast milk are not limited to the present, but have a long-lasting effect on the baby's overall health and well-being in the future.

Breast milk is a complex and highly nutritious substance that provides a wide range of benefits to newborns. Along with antibodies, breast milk contains a variety of other components that are critical to the development of a healthy immune system in infants.

For example, breast milk contains a variety of proteins, such as lactoferrin and lysozyme, which have antimicrobial properties and can help protect babies against bacterial and viral infections. In addition, breast milk is rich in fats, including long-chain fatty acids, which are essential for brain development and overall growth.

Breast milk also contains a variety of sugars, such as lactose and oligosaccharides, which serve as prebiotics and help to support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the baby's gut. These bacteria, in turn, help to protect against harmful pathogens and stimulate immune function.

Perhaps most importantly, breast milk contains white blood cells, including lymphocytes and macrophages, which play a critical role in the development of the infant's immune system. These cells help to identify and destroy invading pathogens and also help to initiate the production of antibodies, which provide long-term protection against specific infections.

Overall, breast milk is a remarkable substance that provides a wide range of benefits to newborns, including a more balanced and robust immune system that can help protect against a variety of infections and illnesses.

Furthermore, breast milk harbours specific elements such as lactoferrin, interleukin -6, -8, and -10, proteins instrumental in regulating the inflammatory response triggered when the immune system encounters threats like viruses or bacterial infections. Striking the right balance in inflammation is crucial for a child's overall health, and breastfeeding contributes to this equilibrium.

A notable component of breast milk is the presence of probiotics—beneficial bacteria essential for a healthy digestive system. By fostering the growth of friendly bacteria and suppressing the development of harmful organisms, breastfeeding provides a continuous supply of probiotics, thereby strengthening the baby's gut microbiome.

Research indicates that breastfeeding significantly lowers the risk of chronic health conditions, including allergies, asthma, diabetes, and obesity. Moreover, breastfed infants are less prone to various infections such as ear infections, vomiting, diarrhoea, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and certain forms of meningitis.

Intriguingly, studies reveal that children breastfed for six months or longer are less likely to develop childhood leukaemia and lymphoma compared to their formula-fed counterparts. The connection lies in the fact that disruptions to a child's immune system are implicated in these blood-related cancers, further underscoring the profound protective effects of breastfeeding.

In conclusion, the comprehensive benefits of breast milk extend far beyond basic nutrition, playing a pivotal role in shaping a robust immune system and safeguarding against a spectrum of health issues in infancy and beyond.

It is important to also understand that in children, constant interaction with the environment, nutrition and exposure to various infections also play an important role in developing a child’s immunity and are separate contributors besides the passive immunity in human milk.