The composition of breast milk is surprisingly complex and rich. But it is even more astonishing that as it is investigated, new benefits continue to be detected among its compounds. No wonder it is called "liquid gold."
Researchers from the Medical College of Georgia of the University of Augusta (United States) have detected for the first time the presence of immune cells called innate lymphoid cells (ILC) capable of fighting invaders, such as bacteria and other pathogens, and hence, protect newborns from infections.
A SWAT team of immune cells
Innate lymphoid cells are the most recently discovered group of immune cells. It has been found that have influence on immunity, inflammation and tissue homeostasis, these essential cells have only been studied for the past ten years. For the first time, they have been found in breast milk, says the research, published in the scientific journal JAMA,
According to Science Daily, ILCs do not attack pathogens directly. Instead, they function as a SWAT team of immune cells. They are responsible for sending cytokines to direct the most abundant immune cell, macrophages, to do that job. These "big consumers" are the biggest white blood cells and literally wrap bacteria, pathogens and dead tissue.
Three types of ILC have been found in breast milk. The most frequent, type 1, are transferred to the baby through breast milk and survive in the baby's intestine for at least several days.
Breast milk is a dynamic living fluid that changes its composition to fight infections.Shield against infections
ILCs in breast milk can protect babies from short-term infections, as well as help them to develop your own immune system Protector over time.
In addition, ILCs may also protect the mother from getting a baby infection. It is speculated that ILCs are responsible for the dynamics that allow breast milk to change and adapt as the baby fights an infection.
"There is a feedback cycle. It is known that some immune cells such as leukocytes, another white blood cell that fights infections, increase in milk in response to an infection in the baby."
"We believe that these cells help provide first-line immune protection for the baby," says Dr. Jatinder Bhatia, head of the Neonatology Section and vice president of clinical research in the Department of Pediatrics at MCG.
Via | Science Daily
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