We've all heard how great breast milk is for our babies. Breastfeeding has been proven to give the baby a
whole slew of benefits.
So what are the components of breastmilk that make this magic liquid work so well?
Actually, the content of human milk is not completely known. (Hello is this the 21st century??)
Well, human milk is a complex substance and it changes over time. The list of known breast milk components not present in formula is long and includes hormones, enzymes, growth factors and substances that fight infection and help develop the immune system.
Below you'll learn a bit of what you are feeding your baby when nursing.
One large component of breastmilk is protein. In fact, there are two types of proteins found in human milk, called "whey proteins", and "casein proteins". This is one of the things that formula companies try to reproduce.
However, breast milk is much easier for the baby to digest. The more casein protein found in the formula, the harder it is for the baby to digest. Mother's milk is around 60 to 80 percent whey protein. These proteins are great for preventing infection in your baby.
Here are some of the important specific proteins found in breast milk:
One specific protein found in breastmilk is Lactoferrin. This protein is great for your baby’s intestinal tract. It prevents the growth of bacteria and yeasts which need iron to live. Those things can cause infections and physical problems for the baby. There is little to no Lactoferrin found in formula.
Lysozyme, which is an antimicrobial enzyme, is found in mother’s milk, but not in formula. This substance has an important effect on which type of bacteria can survive in the intestinal tract. Interestingly, the level of lysozyme in the breast milk is not affected by what mom eats - probably because it is so important for the baby. There is no or very little Lysozyme in formula.
The bifidus factor in human milk supports the growth of Lactobacillaceae, which are beneficial bacteria that protects the baby against harmful bacteria and parasites. In fact, there is a huge difference between the bacteria found in the guts of breast- and formula-fed infants. Breast-fed babies have a level of lactobacillus that is as much as ten times greater than that of formula-fed infants.
Breastmilk also contains some very beneficial fats. Mainly, Omega 3 fats such as DHA and AA. These fats are there to help the baby’s brain work, ensure that his immune system is functioning, and helps him take in fat-soluble vitamins. The fats that are found in formula are not digested completely by the infant, and formulas also don’t contain DHA.
The fat level in mature breastmilk is around 4% or a bit less and is independent of what mom eats. However, the type of fats can be affected by the maternal diet.
While carnitine is present in both breast milk and formula, the carnitine in human milk is easier for the baby to take up. Breast-fed babies have significantly higher carnitine levels than their bottle-fed counterparts. Carnitine is necessary to make use of fatty acids as an energy source.
Breast milk is also rich in immunoglobins, and while formula does contain these, it’s not the same kinds which are found in human milk.
One important type of immoglubin is called secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and has the ability to bind to foreign substances (including harmful bacteria) so they can be eliminated from the body. sIgA particularly protects the throat, nose and ears as well as the gastrointestinal tract.
Colostrum, the thicker milk that a mother’s body produces in the first few days, is especially high in sIgA.
Lactose, which is a very important carbohydrate, is supplied richly from breast milk. This component is wonderful for brain function and growth. Lactose helps to decrease the amount of unhealthy bacteria in the stomach, and therefore improves the uptake of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
Lactose concentration in breastmilk increases over the duration of breastfeeding.
Leukocytes are the white blood cells that are only found in breast milk (not in formula). They help fight infection. It is the antibodies, enzymes, and hormones that make breastmilk ideal. These cannot be added to formula.
The vitamins in mom's milk are dependant upon the vitamins the mother is getting. This is one reason that it is so important that Mom gets the vitamins she needs. She will be sharing them. The vitamins and minerals in mother’s milk, for instance iron, are absorbed readily and better by the baby. While a baby will only absorb around 5 to 10 percent of the iron in formula, she will absorb 50 to 75 percent of the iron in mother’s milk.
The greatest thing about breast milk is that as your baby grows, the components automatically change to supply your child with what is needed most as she grows.
For example, studies have shown that the immunoglobulin sIgA is found in high concentration in the breastmilk during your baby's whole first year, but is at its very highest concentration when the baby is newborn (in the thicker milk called colostrum).
The same is true with lactoferrin, a protein that for example has antibiotic effects.
Also, the composition of the breastmilk varies with the time of the day as well as whether it is at the beginning or the end of the feeding. Fats are particularly high at the end of the feeding (hind milk), which is why it is so important to let our baby empty one breast before changing sides.
Isn't all this simply amazing? Put quite simply, Mother Nature knows her stuff!
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