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Breastfeeding Benefits of Shared Antibodies

Aug 24, 2011 | By Jessica Ramer
Breastfeeding Benefits of Shared Antibodies
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Breastfeeding has been shown to provide babies protection against infections of the ear and respiratory tract. It also greatly reduces the occurrence of diarrhea. There is some suggestion that prolonged lactation increases these benefits and that these advantages may persist for years after weaning. Shared antibodies that are transmitted through milk are an important mechanism used in establishing this protection.

Introduction to Antibodies

According to Dr. Gary E. Kaiser, Ph.D., there are five major classes of antibodies known as immunoglobulins: IgM, IgG, IgA, IgD and IgE. IgM helps the body surround and eliminate foreign substances in a process known as phagocytosis. IgG also participates in phagocytosis. IgA is found in breast milk and blocks the attachment of viruses and bacteria to mucus membranes. IgD aids the elimination of B-lymphocytes that often generate harmful auto-immune reactions. IgE antibodies act against parasites and promote inflammation, thus helping the body respond to allergens.

How Breastfeeding Transmits Antibodies

A study published in the November 2008 issue of "Journal of Immunology" found the mechanism that leads to the transfer of immunity between mother and child. IgA antibodies acquired following the mother's own exposure to foreign substances do not, as was previously supposed, move passively from the mother's bloodstream into the milk. Rather, special cells called lymphocytes migrate to breast tissue during lactation and adhere to blood vessels, where they secrete IgA antibodies into the breast milk.

Other Mechanisms of Protection

In addition to transferring IgA antibodies, breast milk provides lactoferrin, which has anti-bacterial properties. According to a December 1998 article in the "Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology," breast milk contains defense factors that protect the infant without promoting inflammation and may in fact be anti-inflammatory. Other substances in milk include lymphocytes, which attack foreign molecules, and growth factors that prime the infant's own immune system. These factors may explain why some research suggests that breastfeeding offers protection against celiac disease, allergies and autoimmune disorders.

IgA and IgG Antibodies in Colostrum

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a disease that breastfeeding could prevent. Because pertussis can sometimes lead to brain damage and death, protecting young children until they are old enough to be vaccinated is crucial. A July 2010 article published in the "Scandinavian Journal of Immunology" found that IgA and IgG antibodies found in colostrum, the substance produced by lactating mothers shortly after birth, were effective in neutralizing pertussis bacteria and reducing the risk of infection.

Cancer Protection

There is some evidence that breastfeeding during infancy can protect against gastric cancer. A November 2005 article published in the "Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition" found that the length of time an infant received breast milk as its only food correlated with a reduced risk of infection by the bacterium Heliobacter pylori, which can colonize the human body during infancy and remain there for life. Because H. pylori is a significant risk factor for gastric cancer, breastfeeding may reduce the odds of developing the disease. (ref 6)

References

Article reviewed by Molly Solanki Last updated on: Aug 24, 2011

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