Iron present in breast milk is better absorbed that iron in cow's milk. It contains enough water for the baby, even in hot climates, with the result that a breast fed baby does not need to drink any extra water. It contains the correct amount of salt, calcium and phosphorus. Breast milk is quickly digested because of a special enzyme called Lipase, which digests fat. Breast fed babies, as opposed to artificially fed ones, suffer much less from diarrhoea and have fewer respiratory infections in childhood.
Breast milk contains live cells and lysozomes which protect against infections.
It also contains an anti-viral substance called Interferon It contains a substance called Bifidus Factor, which helps a special bacterium called lactobacillus bifidus to grow in the baby's intestine and prevent harmful bacteria like E.coli from growing and causing infections like diarrhoea. Breast fed babies are less likely to get colic and infantile allergies than artificially fed babies. It is the simplest way to feed the baby warm, safe, clean and bacteria free milk. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider.