But exactly which ingredient in human milk provides the benefit is not entirely understood. Finding the answer could be key to improving the quality of formulas for infants whose mothers can't nurse, such as those who are HIV positive or undergoing chemotherapy, say University of Florida researchers, who are publishing findings from their studies of a powerful immune system protein in this month's journal Pediatrics.
Formulas currently lack additives designed to specifically protect against infection.
White blood cells are the front line of defense in the body's war against infection. In an effort to understand whether G-CSF might play a role in breast milk's ability to ward off disease, scientists from UF's College of Medicine examined milk samples from 126 women who recently gave birth. Twelve women had an infection of the placental membranes. Further results showed that mothers with infections of the placental membranes had significantly higher concentrations of the protein, whether they delivered prematurely or at term. Infection is the equalizer, making the concentration go up.