newborn baby drinking from mothers breast

Study Summary

The key features of breast milk and infant formula and their impact on mother and child

Review of Infant Feeding: Key Features of Breast Milk and Infant Formula

Martin CR, Ling PR, Blackburn GL

Nutrients. 2016 May 11;8(5):279

Abstract

Breast milk remains the best form of nutrition for infants.1  Extensive data shows that it contains a wide variety of bioactive substances. These have a positive effect on the function of the digestive tract, immune system and brain development. Furthermore, the latest study data shows that breast milk provides protection against obesity and type II diabetes.2  The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends feeding newborn babies solely on breast milk for the first six months of their life.3

Benefits to the baby of being fed solely on breast milk during the first six months of its life:

  • Nutritionally beneficial
  • Protects long-term health
  • Helps build a strong immune system

Benefits to the mother of feeding their baby solely on breast milk during the first six months of its life:

  • Inexpensive nutrition
  • Practical, as it is available at any time
  • Encourages bonding between mother and child

For various reasons, breastfeeding alone is not always possible.4 Formula is an effective substitute for the infant's nutrition.5,6 However, it is not currently possible to produce a formula that is nutritionally identical to breast milk.

Background

Human breast milk contains:

  • Carbohydrates
  • Proteins
  • Fats
  • Vitamins
  • Minerals
  • Digestive enzymes
  • Hormones
  • Immune cells (incl. macrophages)
  • Stem cells
  • Various bioactive molecules (e.g. human milk oligosaccharides (HMO))

Formula imitates the nutrient composition of breast milk. The recently updated FDA (Food and Drug Administration, USA) regulations on the manufacture of formula include stipulations for the composition, as follows:

  • Appropriate quality specifications to support normal physical growth
  • Ensure sufficient quantities of protein are included in a form suitable for infants

The manufacturing process for formula is strictly regulated and monitored to satisfy national and international quality criteria.7,8

Methods

This study compares breast milk with formula. In so doing, it provides a detailed breakdown of the constituents of breast milk and formula and explains their impact on infant and mother.

Findings

Breast milk continues to be the best form of nutrition for the growth and development of infants. It is rich in antibodies and thus has a positive impact on an infant's congenital and/or developing immune system. If it is not possible for the mother to breastfeed, expressed breast milk is considered to be the next best form of nutrition for the baby. This particularly applies for newborns or premature babies with a low birth weight. Only when these options are not possible is formula recommended.

MAM Service

You can find the complete study at: mambaby.com/professionals

1Lessen R & Kavanagh K. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2015;115(3):444-449
2Savino F, et al. Cell Mol Biol. 2013;59(1):89-98
3World Health Organisation (WHO). Infant and Young Child Nutrition. 2002; Available online: https://apps.who.int/gb/archive/pdf_files/WHA55/ea5515.pdf (accessed on 30.09.21)
4Kozhimannil KB, et al. PLoS One. 2014 13;9(8):e104820
5Institute of Medicine (US) Committee. Infant Formula: Evaluating the Safety of New Ingredients. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US), 2004.
6Stevens EE, et al. J Perinat Educ. 2009;18(2):32-9
7Lönnerdal B. Ann Nutr Metab. 2012;60(3):196-199
8World Health Organisation (WHO). Safe Preparation, Storage and Handling of Powdered Infant Formula Guidelines. 2007; Available online: https://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/micro/pif_guidelines.pdf (accessed on 30.09.21)