Introduction
Antibodies are also called immunoglobulins, usually produced by the immune system. These are produced in response to any antigen in the body. These antibodies usually fight against any infection or diseased condition. These antibodies usually are circulated all over the body and can be present in the blood, saliva, and breast milk. Antibodies are provided to the newborn through breast milk, which is one of the known benefits. Breast milk also helps in building up the immune system of the baby. A specific type of antibody called IgA (Immunoglobulin A) is provided through breast milk, which helps to prevent the newborn from infections. When breastmilk passes through the oral cavity, nasal cavity, Eustachian tube, and gastrointestinal tract, the antibodies bind to the bacteria in these regions, preventing them from entering the newborn’s system. IgA antibodies cannot be seen in formulated milk.
What Are Antibodies?
Antibodies are natural proteins usually produced by the immune system in response to any infection or disease. There are many forms of antibodies. Antibodies usually work against any virus, bacteria, fungi, or parasite, considered foreign substances to the body. Antibodies are considered to be the backbone of the immune system. Once an antibody is produced in response to an antigen, it can be produced even later as a quick immune response against the same antigen.
What Is the Relation Between Antibodies and Breast Milk?
Substances get transferred to the breast milk from the blood. If some substances are absent in the mother's blood serum, then the percentage in the breast milk is very low. Some antibodies are produced, which move freely throughout the body and can be easily transferred to the breast milk. Such substances also include antibodies such as IgA, IgG, and IgM. These antibodies are important as they link the innate and adaptive immune systems by activating the complement system. In the case of breastfeeding, the cell-mediated immune system is given less importance.
What Are the Other Antibodies Present?
IgA is usually provided through breast milk. Other than IgA, other antibodies are IgG, IgM, IgE, IgM. Colostrum is the initial milk produced with a higher IgA antibody concentration. This antibody helps to deal with infection, allergy, eczema, wheezing, and illness. When the breast milk changes from colostrum to mature milk, the concentration of the antibodies varies. The antibodies will be present in the breast milk as long as the mother feeds the baby and it helps protect the baby.
What Are the Benefits of Breastmilk Antibodies in Premature Babies?
The immune system of a premature baby is not as strong as a full-term baby. Due to this, premature babies are at higher risk of encountering an infection. Breast milk plays an essential role in the case of a premature baby. The antibodies present in the breast milk helps the premature baby to fight against all the infection and illness.
Are All the Antibodies the Same?
Antibodies are constantly produced by the body's immune system, which fights against each infection or illness. In the case of infection, the IgM antibodies in the blood and lymph can fight against the infection. IgM and IgG antibodies form a pathway for a systemic response throughout the body, characterized by fever, increased WBC (white blood cell) count, etc. Both these antibodies IgM and IgG play the same role in destroying harmful substances in the body. IgM is produced quickly and is short-lived, whereas IgG is usually seen in the body fluids. This antibody helps to fight against bacterial and viral infections. IgG can pass across the placenta during pregnancy, which can help protect the fetus. IgA is usually produced in the gastrointestinal tract, blood, and mucous membrane. These antibodies are produced in breast milk and provided to the newborn. This antibody plays a different role compared to IgM and IgG.
Presence of Antibodies in Newborn?
Once the baby is born, the newborn's body will start producing antibodies as they are exposed to antigens. Post-birth, the level of IgG antibody from the mother in the newborn will start to decline. The inherited protection the IgG antibody provides will start to reduce in the initial six months. The maternal IgA, provided through breastfeeding, can help survive this transition phase as they develop their immune system. The mother and the newborn will encounter the same antigens as they live in the same environment. This makes the antigen produced from the breastmilk be prepared to fight against each specific antigen.
What Are the Antibodies Provided to the Newborn Through Breast Milk?
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IgG antibodies are transferred from the mother’s blood serum to the fetus in utero through the placenta.
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Maternal SIgG antibodies are provided through breast milk.
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Some maternal antibodies are also provided through breast milk, but how much they are used depends.
Are Antibodies Present in the Formulated Milk?
The huge variation between breastfeeding and formula feeding is the presence of antibodies in the milk. In the case of breastmilk, it contains antibodies that help the baby fight against antigens, and breastmilk also helps to develop the baby's immune system. Studies show that SIgG is seen in the baby’s feces two days post-delivery and initiation of breastfeeding, but in the case of formulated milk, SIgG is seen only after a month.
What Are the Benefits of the Antibodies in Breastmilk?
Antibodies in breast milk reduce the risk of
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Middle ear infection.
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Respiratory tract infection.
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Cold and flu.
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Intestinal tissue damage.
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Gut infection.
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IBD (inflammatory bowel disease).
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Obesity.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding has many benefits, in antibodies are one of the main benefits. Antibodies are proteins that help to fight against infection and illness. IgA is one of the main antibodies present in breast milk. Breast milk also helps the baby to develop the immune system. Antibodies in breast milk are beneficial for preterm babies as their immune systems will not be as strong as full-term babies. Formulated milk contains no antibiotics, so breast milk is more beneficial.
