New evidence of the benefits of breast milk

Swiss and Australian researchers have discovered breast milk proteins - not found in cow's milk - that are resistant to disease by eliminating bacteria, viruses and other dangerous pathogens in the child's stomach and intestines.

Niclas Karlsson and colleagues point out that researchers from smugglers already know that breastmilk provides many health benefits, breast milk helps children better prevent diarrhea, rash, allergies and other medical problems. compared to children who eat cow's milk. However, the biological reason for this is not well understood.

To find out, the scientists collected breast milk and cow's milk samples and analyzed the fat content. They found that the fat molecules in human milk are surrounded by two proteins, MUC-1 and MUC-4.

Scientists discover proteins in breast milk that help fight disease (Photo: iStockphoto)

Previous studies have shown that these proteins can neutralize certain receptors in the GI tract, where E. coli infects, Helicobacter pylori and other pathogenic bacteria , thus preventing too much infection process. In contrast, cow's milk lacks these proteins, so it cannot be resistant to the same disease.

Refer:

Wilson et al.Glycoproteomics of Milk: Differences in Sugar Epitopes on Human and Bovine Milk Fat Globule Membranes.Journal of Proteome Research, 2008;0 (0): 0 DOI: 10.1021 / pr700793k