The miracle in breast milk!
Having a prebiotic effect breast milk Oligosaccharides play an important role in the development and strengthening of the baby’s immune system, in the regulation of the intestinal microbiota, it prevents disease-causing microorganisms from adhering to the cells of the intestinal wall, with these properties, it protects babies from many infectious diseases, especially diarrhea, reduces the risk of allergies, and with the sialic acid content in the structure of some oligosaccharides, it prevents brain development and have important functions on learning ability.
Talking about the importance of breast milk within the scope of 1-7 August World Breastfeeding Week, Nutrition Consultant Prof. Dr. Muazzez Garipağaoğlu said, “Breast milk, which is an ideal nutrient in infant nutrition, is indispensable for the protection of baby’s health and brain development, thanks to the oligosaccharides with prebiotic effect it contains.”
Breast milk is a unique nutrient that cannot be replaced in infant nutrition. In addition to providing the energy and all nutrients necessary for the growth and development of the baby, it has many features that protect the health of the baby thanks to the anti-infective components it contains.
breast milk; It protects babies from diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, ear infection, obesity, allergies and urinary tract infections. Breast milk, which is considered as a living liquid, has numerous advantages for the baby, mother, family and society. For this reason, it is recommended by the World Health Organization that infants be fed with breast milk alone for the first 6 months, and breastfeeding should continue with complementary foods given in appropriate types and amounts until the age of 2 and beyond.
As part of the 1-7 August World Breastfeeding Week, Prof. Dr. Garipağaoğlu said, “Breast milk is the assurance of the survival of babies in the first 2 years. It is very important to maintain and protect breastfeeding during extraordinary situations such as the epidemic we have been experiencing for the last 2 years. said.
So, do you know what the structure of breast milk is, what substances in it do what? Here are the building blocks of breast milk…
STRUCTURE OF BREAST MILK
Breast milk basically consists of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, known as macronutrients, and vitamins, minerals and water, known as micronutrients. Macro nutrients provide energy and calories to the body.
The carbohydrate of breast milk is lactose, known as milk sugar. One liter of breast milk contains 8-10 grams of protein, 65-70 grams of lactose and 38-40 grams of fat. Breast milk also contains components called oligosaccharides.
Oligosaccharides, which have a prebiotic effect, are the non-nutritive bioactive components that are found in the highest amount after lactose and fats in breast milk.
Colostrum, popularly known as colostrum, contains 20-25 grams/liter, and mature breast milk contains 10-15 grams of oligosaccharides.
More than 200 oligosaccharides have been detected in breast milk, and the structure of more than 130 has been defined. Breast milk oligosaccharides, which are resistant to stomach acid and digestive enzymes, act as prebiotics and ensure the proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
Breast milk oligosaccharides, which have a prebiotic effect, play an important role in the development and strengthening of the baby’s immune system, regulating the intestinal microbiota, prevent disease-causing microorganisms from sticking to the cells of the intestinal wall, with these properties, they protect babies from many infectious diseases, especially diarrhea, reduce the risk of allergies, and in the structure of some oligosaccharides. With its sialic acid content, it has important functions on brain development and learning ability.
