close

Tell a friend

Tell a friend about this page on In Practice website by completing this form. The email address you provide will not be passed on to any third party.
Your name *:
Your email *:
Your friend's name *:
Friend's email address *:
Optional message:
Note : the fields with * are mandatory.
close

Save to Learning & Research

Save this page to Learning & Research ?
Title:
Whoops!

You haven't logged in yet and unfortunately most of our information and downloadable materials are only available to registered users.

If you are already registered to use In Practice, log in below:
Log In
Password
 


Haven't registered yet? Register for free. It only takes 2 minutes and gives you full access to all the resources In Practice has to offer!
Members Log In Password
Lost your password? Click here
Home
Ask the experts at Cow & Gate

Talk to experienced Healthcare Professionals with expertise in infant nutrition, dedicated to helping you with any queries.
HCP Helpline
08457 623 624
Mums` Careline
08457 623 623

Email us
Quick poll

Download podcasts of the latest key opinion leader events and listen to them on your computer or MP3 player

Latest podcasts from the 7th International Danone Baby Nutrition Symposium in Lisbon.
- Early nutrition of the preterm infant
- Catch-up growth and metabolic imprinting

You are here: Topics > Prebiotic oligosaccharides > What are the benefits of breastmilk?

What are the benefits of breastmilk?
Breastmilk, which is specifically adapted to the needs of the newborn, provides several tiers of defence.

Young infants are vulnerable to pathogens due to their immature defence systems. Breastmilk, which is specifically adapted to the needs of the newborn, provides several tiers of defence. These have the potential to work synergistically. They are:

  • Provision of nutrients – such as protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals. Essential for the infant’s optimal development.
  • Antibodies – which are produced by the immune system in response to foreign substances (antigens) that may be a threat to the body.
  • Protective agents – ranging from those which help to support the immune system, to those which help protect against bacteria, fungi and viruses.
  • Prebiotics – which help to increase the levels of friendly bacteria naturally present in the baby’s gut.



    • 1 Comment

    Sort descending by AuthorAuthorSort ascending by Author
    Sort descending by DateDateSort ascending by Date
    1. Midwife in London Says:
    March 10th 2010 : 12:53:50
    Very interesting and helpful points to remember when talking to mums.

    Add a comment

    *Name
    *Email
    *Comment

    Note: fields with * are mandatory.

    Please note: Opinions expressed here are not necessarily endorsed by In Practice, the author, publisher or editorial staff. In Practice reserves the right in its absolute discretion at any time to edit, alter, delete or move any material posted to, appearing on or distributed by www.in-practice.co.uk and you. In Practice will not enter into any discussions about its decision to edit, alter, delete or move such material.
    Print this page

    Article rating: poor nothing special worth reading really good excellent
    This article is rated as really good
    To rate this article please click on the stars.

    Cow & Gate... because healthy babies are happy babies

    Resources | Topics | Study Days | Learning & Research | Cow & Gate Products | Contact Us

    About us   |   Breastfeeding notice   |   Tell a friend   |   Site map
    Terms & conditions   |   Privacy policy

    © Cow & Gate 2010 - baby and infant, development products and advice

    This website is owned by Nutricia Ltd; registered company number 00275552,
    registered address Newmarket House Newmarket Avenue White Horse Business Park Trowbridge Wiltshire BA 14 0XQ.