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Individualized Reconstitution of Human Milk Microbiota: A Feasible Approach in Real-World Settings
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Breast milk: more than just nutrition!
Giulia Nuzzi1, Irene Trambusti1, Maria E DI Cicco1
1Section of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
Minerva Pediatrics
|April 21, 2021
Summary
Exclusive human milk feeding is the gold standard for infant nourishment, offering species-specific benefits. Breastfeeding protects infants against infections and promotes healthy development, reducing disease incidence compared to formula.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
Background:
- Human milk is recognized as the optimal nutrition for infants.
- It provides species-specific nourishment tailored to infant needs.
- Breastfeeding offers protection against infections and promotes development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the nutritional and functional composition of human milk.
- To provide an overview of human milk's bioactive factors.
- To highlight the benefits of human milk feeding.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of nutritional and functional composition.
- Analysis of bioactive factors in human milk.
- Comparison of breastfeeding outcomes with formula feeding.
Main Results:
- Human milk contains hundreds of bioactive molecules.
- These molecules protect against infection and inflammation.
- Breastfeeding is associated with decreased infant morbidity and mortality.
Conclusions:
- Human milk feeding is the gold standard for infant nutrition.
- Breastfeeding supports immune maturation, organ development, and gut health.
- Continued breastfeeding reduces the incidence of various infant diseases.
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