Breastfeeding has a positive influence on the intestinal flora in babies

Breastfeeding supports the colonization of the baby intestine with beneficial bacteria
The intestinal flora performs important functions in the food utilization and the defense against pathogens. In newborns, however, the intestinal flora must first develop. A recent American study has now shown that breastfeeding transfers beneficial bacteria from mothers to their children, according to a statement by the Professional Association of Paediatricians (BVJ)..

According to the latest study, 30 percent of the beneficial bacteria that end up in a baby's intestinal tract are directly from breast milk and another 10 percent from the skin of the maternal breast. Breastfeeding supports the colonization of the baby intestine with beneficial bacteria, emphasize the experts of the BVKJ. Breastfed babies benefit from breastfeeding for a long time, even if they are already eating solid foods, the BVKJ continues.

When breastfeeding, beneficial bacteria are transmitted to the babies, who then colonize the infant's intestine. (Image: juan_aunion / fotolia.com)

Intake of beneficial bacteria via breast milk
Immediately after birth, the babies pick up beneficial bacteria from the mother and the environment, which then colonize the infant's intestine. The bacteria help digest the food and train the baby's immune system so that it learns to differentiate health-promoting bacteria from harmful bacteria, the experts at the BVKJ explain. Which mechanisms support the baby to build up a healthy intestinal flora, according to the doctors, however, is still not fully understood.

Over a hundred mother-infant pairs examined
In the current American study, which was published in the journal "JAMA Pediatrics", the research team analyzed the study lead Professor Dr. med. Grace Aldrovandi of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) outlined 107 maternal infant pairs on how the transfer of bacteria into the baby's gut is influenced by breast milk. During the baby's first year of life, bacterial samples were taken from mother's milk, baby's chair and skin around the maternal nipple.

Composition of the bacterial community evaluated
During the analysis of the samples, a specific search was made to find out which bacteria shared mothers and babies. In addition, the researchers calculated the relative frequency of the bacteria. Where the mother's milk bacteria come from, remained outside. A hypothesis is that they migrate from the mother's intestine to the chest, explains the BVKJ. It has also not been studied how the development of intestinal flora in babies, which are fed only with the vial.

Breast milk perfected over millions of years of evolution
From the bacterial composition it became clear that the colonization of the baby intestine is positively influenced by the breast milk. In general, "Breastmilk is an amazing liquid that has evolved through millions of years of evolution to keep babies healthy and, in particular, to strengthen their immune system," said study leader Professor Dr. Ing. Grace Aldrovandi quoted by BVKJ. Now they have managed to identify a new mechanism that helps to make babies healthier.

Bacterial community in the gut with far-reaching influence
Previous research has already shown that "a balanced bacterial community in the gut plays an important role in the susceptibility of a human to immune diseases," says the BVKJ. A healthy gut apparently protects against allergies, asthma and inflammatory bowel disease for a lifetime. "Meanwhile, we appreciate more and more, how these bacterial communities, especially in the gut, fend off evil or harmful," quoted the BVKJ the American study director Prof. Aldrovandi. It is known from animal models, "that the one who has received good bacteria in his early life is also rather healthy." (Fp)