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Breastfeeding research: IgG antibodies in breast milk help shape gut bacteria, and protect babies against gut infections.
QUICK SUMMARY: In a new mouse study, researchers found IgG antibodies in the mothers milk can protect young mice from Citrobacter rodentium (equivalent to pathogenic E. coli in humans) — this causes potentially dangerous intestinal infections.
This new research suggests IgG antibodies in breast milk play a role in shaping infant gut bacteria and immunity, and can help protect babies against gut infections.
Antibodies, also called immunoglobulins (Igs), are in human milk, and are transferred from mum to baby during breastfeeding.
Antibodies are crucial in shaping the infant immune system, providing protection against harmful pathogens.
Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the most abundant antibody found in breast milk. Secretory IgA (SIgA) represents over 90% of antibodies in breast milk.
Other immunoglobulins are also present in human breast milk; G (IgG) and M (IgM), but in much lower concentrations than SIgA.
Now a new preclinical study by a team from Weill Cornell Medicine gives an insight into the power of IgG antibodies in mothers milk.
