Breast-milk characteristics protecting against allergy

Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets. 2014 Mar;14(1):9-15. doi: 10.2174/1871530314666140121145045.

Abstract

Breast milk and colostrum are the first feeding sources for a child, providing nutrients, growth factors and immunological components, which are crucial for the newborn's correct development and health. Length of exclusive breastfeeding and time of solid foods introduction is a key factor that may influence allergy development. There is an emerging evidence of a relationship between breastfeeding, milk composition and lower risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension and allergies. This review examines current evidence regarding humoral and cellular characteristics of breast-milk, and potential role of environment, maternal diet and breastfeeding on the allergy development in children.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Allergic Agents* / chemistry
  • Anti-Allergic Agents* / metabolism
  • Antibodies / metabolism
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Environment
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Hypersensitivity / metabolism
  • Hypersensitivity / prevention & control*
  • Immunoglobulin A, Secretory / metabolism
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
  • Milk, Human / chemistry
  • Milk, Human / cytology
  • Milk, Human / physiology*

Substances

  • Anti-Allergic Agents
  • Antibodies
  • Cytokines
  • Immunoglobulin A, Secretory