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Breast milk microbes: Can they be the superheroes of your baby's gut?
With the development of science, the past concept that human breast milk is sterile has been overturned. Studies have shown that there is actually a rich combination of microorganisms in breast milk, namely the human milk microbiota (HMP). These microbes play an important role in a community of other microorganisms known as the human microbiome.
The microbiota in breast milk, as potential commensal, mutualistic, and even probiotic bacteria, has great significance for the intestinal health of infants.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), probiotics are "live organisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host." Human breast milk not only contains beneficial lactic acid bacteria, but also provides the basis for the development of a healthy intestine in newborn babies.
Development of breast milk microbiota
The presence of bacteria in breast milk makes breast milk no longer a "sterile product" in the traditional sense. The source of these microorganisms may be related to the skin microbiome around the breast, the oral microbiome of the baby, or they may enter through the backflow phenomenon of the mammary gland. In the milk ducts.The composition of breast milk and its effects on health
Early studies have found that the concentration of bacteria in breast milk from healthy women is about 103 colony-forming units (CFU) per milliliter. The study also showed that the microorganisms in breast milk are closely related to the intestinal microorganisms of breastfed infants, and further proved that breast milk can form "beneficial" microbial colonies in the infant's intestines.
Studies have shown that common bacteria in breast milk include bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, which can not only inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, but also enhance the health of the baby's intestinal and immune systems.
Effects of environmental factors on breast milk microbiota
Multiple factors can influence the composition of breast milk microbiota, including the mother's body mass index, the baby's gender, mode of delivery and breastfeeding pattern. Studies have found that women who do not use antibiotics have relatively more Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in their breast milk.
Breast milk microbiota and maternal health
The mother's health is also linked to the composition of the microbiota in breast milk. For example, higher maternal BMI is associated with lower levels of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in breast milk. In contrast, breast milk of women with HIV showed higher bacterial diversity and more Lactobacilli.
Benefits of breastfeeding for your baby
Due to the rich microbial content of breast milk, breastfed babies generally have fewer infections and their gut microbiomes contain higher numbers of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. These important bacteria provide immune support and promote health.
Recent studies have shown that infants who receive follow-on formula enriched with Lactobacillus have significantly fewer gastrointestinal and respiratory infections.
Future Research Directions
While existing studies have provided preliminary insights into breast milk microbiota and baby health, further exploration of participants from different regions is needed to understand variability between populations.
Thus, the breast milk microbiome is more than just a simple community of microorganisms; it may be a key factor in infant gut development. When faced with such challenges, we should think deeply: What impact do these potential "superheroes" have on the baby's health?
