|
Children's Health
Breastfeeding Research
Breast milk growth
factor reduces skin problems
Breast milk contains specific concentrations of
enzymes, one of which has been found to encourage specific antibody
production helping to reduce skin problems in children.
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) which
is found in human breast milk has been found to play an important role in
encouraging antibody responses within the immune system.
Researchers at the Department of Paediatrics and
Biochemistry in Finland examined forty-seven infants from several atopic
families during their first year of life. The study found that atopic
dermatitis was confirmed in 29 of 47 infants, of which it started in 11
during breast-feeding, compared with 18 after weaning.
The researchers found that concentrations of TGF-beta
were higher in the milky fluid (colostrum) flowing from the breast during
the first two or three days than before the true milk comes.
The study concluded that TGF-beta found in
colostrum, may prevent development of skin problems during breast-feeding
and also increase specific antibody production providing the child with an
improved immune response.
Reference:
Transforming growth factor-beta in breast milk: a potential regulator of
atopic disease at an early age. Kalliom¨aki
M; Ouwehand A; et al J Allergy Clin Immunol,
104:1251-7, 1999 Dec
©
The Internet Health Library 2000
return to top
This page was last updated on 20 October 2006 10:25:47
|
