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Anti infective properties of breast milk

  • Symposium: Nutrition
  • Published:
The Indian Journal of Pediatrics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Present review is focussed on the anti infective properties of breast milk. Breast milk is found to contain many protective factors like immunoglobulins, lysozyme, lactoperoxidase, complement components, cells and lipids. These host resistance factors act against different organisms and provide definite protection to infants from infection and reduce the mortality and morbidity rate. The practice of feeding newborns with expressed breast milk is also common in western countries. It is subjected to heat-treatment before feeding and it is found that these factors can either be destroyed or they remain stable to heat treatment depending upon the temperature and duration of exposure. Colostrum, which is secreted in first few days after birth, is different in its antiinfective properties when compared to mature milk. It contains a high amount of immunoglobulins and other non-specific factors. The preterm milk also contains higher concentrations of immunoglobulins when compared to the term milk. Therefore these serve as an initial step towards providing immunity to newborns.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Post-graduate Studies and Research in Home Science, Manasa Gangotri, Mysore-6, Karnataka

    S. Shashikala M.Sc. & J. Prakash M.Sc. (Lectuter)

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  1. S. Shashikala M.Sc.
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  2. J. Prakash M.Sc.
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Shashikala, S., Prakash, J. Anti infective properties of breast milk. Indian J Pediatr 51, 451–457 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02776433

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02776433

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