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.