New research has shed further light on the importance of breastfeeding on the developing immune systems of infants. The Conversation conducted a study in partnership with the University of Birmingham. In an article for the publication, researcher Gergely Toldi, a consultant neonatologist at the University of Birmingham, explained the results of the study.
Overall, the research reconfirmed the value in breastfeeding during a baby’s first few weeks of life in developing immune cells or regulatory T cells, which, as its name suggests, regulate and balance the immune system, Mena FM confirms. It controls the immune systems’ response to pathogens and prevents it from attacking the body in a harmful autoimmune response.
By looking at the blood and stool samples of thirty-eight mothers and their newborn offspring, researchers found that there were almost twice as many regulatory T cells in babies breastfeed for the initial third weeks in comparison to those offered formula. As such, the breastfed babies had a stronger immune system, leading researchers to conclude breastfeeding is the key.
The study controlled several factors to ensure these didn’t interfere with the overall results. Namely, the researchers concluded all of the mothers had given birth to their babies through an elective c-section. Similarly, the samples needed to determine the cell count were done when each baby was three weeks old.
Dr. Toldi went on to explain they believe this is the result of interaction with the mother’s cells during breastfeeding. During pregnancy, the immune system of the mother and fetus interact vis a vis the placenta. When the baby is born, however, this interaction continues through breastfeeding, which prevents the baby’s immune system from seeing the mother’s cells as foreign.
Regulatory T cells are important early on because they strengthen immune functions, especially later in life. Dr. Toldi notes they’re effective in preventing allergies and can also decrease the likelihood of autoimmune disorders. They also help strengthen the gut microbiome, which can otherwise lead to digestive problems or even intestinal infections. The study also found that the composition of the gut microbiome was stronger in breastfeed babies. Specifically, they had higher numbers of important bacterial strains, Veillonella and Gemella, which produce short-chain fatty acids that help in the development of regulatory T cells.
The new research hopes to direct the focus of future studies. Particularly, the researchers called for further inquiry into how extended breastfeeding – past the first three weeks of life, that is – impact the immune system’s development. Similarly, research needs to be conducted on babies born vaginally, since the aforementioned study only considered babies born via c-section.
Breastfeeding is strongly recommended by professionals, at least in a baby’s first few weeks of life. Citing the American Academy of Pediatrics, the CDC instructs women to breastfeed exclusively for the first six months of life, if possible. They add mothers should continue even after they begin introducing solids to the baby.
There is evidence that confirms breastfeeding has various health benefits for babies, but breastfeeding can be a difficult experience. Not everyone has the opportunity to breastfeed. Remember, what matters most is that the baby is healthy and happy. Fed is best.
Sources: The Conversation, CDC, Mena FM,