Breast milk’s benefits are not limited to babies : The Economist

Article shared by Janet Nelson

"Here is an article on a topic where I hope UNICEF continues to be active in helping to bring about the social and economic conditions that are necessary in order for women to be able to breastfeed. Interestingly, it appeared in The Economist!. I loved the last sentence (see the final quote below under 'Excerpts'. " Janet

"Some of its myriad components are being tested as treatments for cancer and other diseases."

Surprisingly little attention has been given to the value of breastmilk by the scientific research community. Recently, however, there is growing scientific interest in breastmilk's potential applications in treating various adult conditions. Breastmilk is now recognized as a rich source of beneficial compounds which have potential value for treating conditions such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and irritable bowel syndrome.

The article highlights recent discoveries about breast milk's composition, including previously unknown proteins and microRNA molecules. It also discusses specific studies on a specific molecule in human milk with potential for cancer treatment, and the potential of breast milk bacteria for improving gut health and immune function.

Excerpts:

"In a recent study of milk from 1,200 mothers on three continents, Dr Azad and her colleagues found roughly 50,000 small molecules, most of them unknown to science."

"It is too early to tell whether any blockbuster drugs will result. But breast-milk scientists are starting to feel vindicated. For Bruce German from the University of California, the neglect of breast milk will rank 'as one of the great embarrassments of scientific history.'"

Click here for the full article in the Economist