Immunomodulatory Effects of Human Colostrum and Milk

Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr. 2021 Jul;24(4):337-345. doi: 10.5223/pghn.2021.24.4.337. Epub 2021 Jul 5.

Abstract

The immune system is not fully developed in human neonates and infants; breastfeeding is important in this stage as the bioactive components of human breast milk are known to have anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects, and can therefore contribute to an infant's immunity against allergies, asthma, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory bowel disease. Herein, the positive effect on the immune system by human colostrum and milk are reviewed.

Keywords: Breastfeeding; Human milk; Immune system.

Publication types

  • Review