Protective mechanisms of breast milk and infant health

Abstract

Optimal breastfeeding is a highly effective public health strategy for the reduction of infant mortality from gastroenteritis and pneumonia, especially in developing countries. Breastfeeding studies have shown the protective role of breast milk against many chronic and immune conditions, in particular, type 1 diabetes, necrotizing enterocolitis, asthma and leukemia. This article offers an overview of the protective mechanisms of mother’s milk