From the Guidelines
Breast milk is unequivocally superior to formula in terms of nutritional composition and bioactive properties, providing unparalleled benefits for infant health, development, and long-term outcomes. The unique composition of breast milk, which includes living cells, enzymes, antibodies, and beneficial bacteria, cannot be replicated by formula 1. Human milk contains the perfect ratio of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and over 200 oligosaccharides that support gut health, as well as hormones, growth factors, and immune components that protect against infections.
Key Components of Breast Milk
- Living cells, enzymes, and antibodies that provide immune protection
- Beneficial bacteria that support gut health
- Perfect ratio of proteins (whey and casein), fats (including DHA and ARA for brain development), and carbohydrates (primarily lactose)
- Over 200 oligosaccharides that support gut health
- Hormones, growth factors, and immune components like secretory IgA, lactoferrin, and lysozyme that protect against infections In contrast, formula is typically made from modified cow's milk or soy proteins with added vitamins, minerals, and sometimes prebiotics or probiotics, but lacks the living components, bioactive factors, and dynamic composition of breast milk. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant's life, followed by breastfeeding supplemented with complementary foods until the age of two years, due to the numerous health benefits of breast milk for both infants and mothers 1.
Benefits of Breast Milk
- Protects against numerous severe infections, including enterocolitis, diarrhea, and pneumonia
- Significantly reduces the rates of infant morbidity and mortality
- Reduces the risk of developing later life metabolic disease, such as childhood obesity and diabetes
- Improves birth spacing, protects against breast cancer, and seems to protect against ovarian cancer and type 2 diabetes in mothers Overall, the composition of breast milk and its bioactive properties make it the ideal choice for infant nutrition, providing benefits that extend far beyond basic nutritional needs and supporting optimal infant growth, immune development, and long-term health outcomes 1.
From the Research
Composition of Breast Milk
- Breast milk is considered the optimal and exclusive source of early nutrition for infants from birth to at least six months of age 2, 3, 4.
- It contains potent immune factors and a unique composition that evolves with the infant's growth and developmental needs 2, 3.
- Breast milk promotes sensory and cognitive development, and protects the infant against infectious and chronic diseases 2, 5, 3.
Comparison with Formula
- Breastfeeding has been associated with decreased morbidity and mortality in infants, and a lower incidence of gastrointestinal infections and inflammatory, respiratory, and allergic diseases compared to formula feeding 5, 3, 6.
- Breast milk contains a variety of immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial substances that help reduce short- and long-term morbidity risks and positively influence the child's cognitive and psychomotor development 5.
- Formula feeding does not provide the same level of immune protection and nutritional benefits as breast milk 2, 5, 3, 4, 6.
Benefits of Breast Milk
- Breast milk contains many hundreds of bioactive molecules that protect newborns against infection and inflammation, and contribute to immune maturation, organ development, and healthy microbial colonization 3.
- Breastfeeding is associated with improved infant health and immune development, less incidence of gastrointestinal disease, and lower mortality rates than formula-fed infants 6.
- Breast milk is a source of commensal bacteria that further enhance infant health by preventing pathogen adhesion and promoting gut colonization of beneficial microbes 6.