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Traditional ideas are shattered! Is breast milk really sterile? Reveal the microorganisms hidden in breast milk!
Many people believe that breast milk is sterile, but this traditional belief has been challenged by the latest scientific research. With the advancement of microbial culture technology and non-culture technology, researchers have discovered that there are many microorganisms in human breast milk, and these microorganisms form a unique community in the mother's mammary glands and breast milk.
The basic components of the human milk microbiota are not identical to those found elsewhere in the human body, and these microorganisms may provide a beneficial source of intestinal microbiota for infants.
Bacteria in breast milk
The bacterial community of human breast milk is different from other organisms and shows a high degree of diversity. According to research, the normal concentration of bacteria in breast milk from healthy women is about 103 colony-forming units (CFU) per milliliter. While hundreds of operational taxa were detected in each woman's breast milk, only nine bacterial species, such as Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and others, were present in all samples.
The composition of breast milk
It wasn’t until the early 21st century that the scientific community realized that breast milk was not a sterile substance. Studies have shown that the bacteria in breast milk are closely related to the composition of the baby's gut microbiota, which means that the prebiotic bacteria contained in breast milk may help support the baby's immune system and intestinal development.
Research shows that probiotics such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus contained in breast milk can fight pathogenic bacteria, thereby reducing the risk of infant illness.
Source of breast milk microorganisms
At present, there is no definite conclusion on the source of breast milk microorganisms, but there are several hypotheses. Bacteria in the breast may come from the surrounding breast skin, or from the baby's oral microbes. There is also research suggesting that reverse flow during lactation may lead to the establishment of bacteria within the mammary ducts.
Environmental factors and breast milk composition
Maternal body mass index (BMI), infant gender, birth mode, and other factors can affect the microbial composition of breast milk. For example, studies have shown that women who did not take antibiotics during pregnancy and breastfeeding produced breast milk with higher proportions of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria.
Human oligosaccharides (HMOs) in breast milk are considered prebiotics, promoting the growth of probiotic bacteria and helping to improve intestinal health.
Mother’s health condition
The mother's health has a significant impact on the microbial composition of breast milk. For example, higher maternal BMI is associated with altered levels of Bifidobacterium and Staphylococcus aureus, and breast milk is generally less diverse. In addition, HIV-positive women have higher diversity and abundance of lactobacilli in their breast milk.
Manner of delivery and forgetting to feed period
The mode of delivery may also affect the microbial composition of breast milk, with milk from mothers who delivered vaginally showing higher diversity and containing more Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. With different lactation stages, the microbial composition of breast milk will also change. The microbial diversity in colostrum is higher, while mature breast milk appears to be relatively simple.
Effects on health
Breastfeeding is considered an important factor in establishing the infant's gut microbiome. For mothers, breastfeeding can reduce the risk of metabolic disease, improve immune function, and even delay menstruation. For babies, breast milk can enhance the immune system and reduce the risk of infection.
Research shows that breastfeeding mothers report significantly less anxiety, poor mood and stress than mothers who use formula, demonstrating the positive impact of breastfeeding on mental health.
Summary and reflection
As science advances, we are re-understanding the microbes in breast milk, which not only challenges conventional wisdom but also provides us with new insights into supporting infant health and maternal health. These findings make us reflect: How can we use these microbial benefits to more comprehensively support maternal and infant health in the future?
