Khaberni - A recent study has proven that breastfeeding for at least six months helps children fight infections and reduce chronic inflammation, which contributes to improving their health in the long run.
Researchers confirmed that understanding how the components of mother's milk affect the immune system could open up avenues for improving the health of all children, including those who were not breastfed.
The study, led by both the Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) and the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute in collaboration with several research institutions, focused on explaining why infection rates and chronic inflammation are lower in infants who breastfeed for a long time, which may reduce the risk of childhood diseases such as allergies, diabetes, and asthma later on.
The researchers analyzed data from about 900 infants. The study reviewed around 800 types of fats and other metabolic markers in the children's blood up to the age of 12 months and discovered that breastfeeding extensively affects these vital elements.
The results highlighted a prominent role for a special type of fat called "plasmalogens," which are abundant in mother's milk, in reducing inflammation. These fats, which are not typically found in formula milk, play a crucial role in boosting the immune system's health.
Dr. Satvika Burugupalli, from the Baker Institute, stated, "Mother's milk plays a pivotal role in supporting the immune system of newborns, as it is rich in fats and essential nutrients, in addition to antibodies and white blood cells that protect the child from diseases."
She added, "The study identified key biological pathways that illustrate how breastfeeding improves immune health and reduces inflammation, which lowers the risk of chronic childhood diseases and heart and diabetes diseases in later stages."
The study's results were published in BMC Medicine.
