Immunomodulatory Components of Human Colostrum and Milk.

Human milk is a unique and complex secretion differing from lacteal secretions of other species. Besides nutrition, it provides protection during the newborn's adaption to the extrauterine environment and reduces the morbidity and mortality caused by both infectious and noninfectious diseases. Its components act directly against infectious agents, but they also accelerate the newborn's immune system development, increasing its capacity for defense and reducing the risk of allergy and other immune-related diseases. Cytokines show the most refined immunomodulatory effects, but oligosaccharides, hormones, and other components affect the newborn's immunity as well. Furthermore, milk components substantially affect the microbial colonization of infant mucosa, which substantially influences the development of all parts of the immune system. All these components act primarily locally, on the mucosal membranes, preventing the penetration of microbes and other antigenic components into the circulation thus ensuring effective defense without the damaging inflammation. Human lacteal secretions contain a number of live cells. Although there are no major differences in the cytokine production between allergic and healthy mothers, they are able to respond to multiple stimuli. By increasing happiness, boosting protective immunity, and decreasing the risk of breast cancer, breastfeeding may have multiple benefits for the mother as well.

© 2020 Nestlé Nutrition Institute, Switzerland/S. Karger AG, Basel.