Breast Milk: Role in Neonatal Host Defense

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the role of breast milk in neonatal host defense. Human milk is rich in host defense factors, although so far only SIgA antibodies have been shown to be protective per se. Defense via human milk may largely be anti-inflammatory. Thus, milk lactoferrin seems to be able to prevent IL-6 release after exposure of human macrophages and gut epithelial cells to lipopolysaccharides (LPS). The start of breast-feeding is traditionally delayed during the first days of life in some, possible many, societies in the developing world, for example, in Pakistan. Thereafter partial breast-feeding is most common with the addition of animal milk and extra water using a bottle, especially during the hot season when there is increased incidence of diarrhea. Such partial breast-feeding protects strongly against neonatal sepsis and early diarrheal diseases. Breast-feeding also protects against necrotizing enterocolitis. Mortality in lower respiratory tract infections is decreased as well by breast-feeding.