A
new research study has revealed that breast milk helps babies to grow up more
resistant to food allergies, by regulating the levels of bacteria in their
digestive ecosystem. The main factor is a component of breast milk called
oligosaccharides, or HMO for short.
The human
body does not possess the enzymes to break down HMO, so it passes through
intact to the large intestines.
HMO then
produces short-chain fatty acids which beneficial bacteria feed on, thus
maintaining a healthy population of microbial in the infant's intestines.
While
medical experts are still digesting the research findings, the consensus is
that in the short run breast milk boosts the baby's immunity against infections
by harmful bacteria. In the long run, the baby grows up more resistant to food
allergies and other chronic
health reactions.
These
results have been greeted with enthusiasm by the Sharjah Baby Friendly Emirate
Campaign, which has been tirelessly raising awareness all year to nurture a
more health-conscious society that is more sensitive to the needs of
breastfeeding women.
Executive Committee Director of the Sharjah Baby Friendly Emirate Campaign, Dr Hessa Khalfan Al Ghazal, commented: "The most incredible take-away from this research is that breast milk is not only a healthy food in itself, but also maintains a healthy bacterial environment for digesting other foods.
Executive Committee Director of the Sharjah Baby Friendly Emirate Campaign, Dr Hessa Khalfan Al Ghazal, commented: "The most incredible take-away from this research is that breast milk is not only a healthy food in itself, but also maintains a healthy bacterial environment for digesting other foods.
This
means even when mothers are introducing new foods to their babies, they can
still breastfeed to make that transition smoother, rather than abruptly stopping
breastfeeding completely."
The study further unearthed evidence suggesting that babies feeding on artificial milk do not enjoy the same protection or auto-regulatory effect in terms of gut bacteria.
Dr Hessa Khalfan Al Ghazal of the Sharjah Baby Friendly Emirate Campaign elaborated on the implications of the research findings:
"As the baby grows older
and its digestive patterns change, the breast milk automatically regulates the
bacterial levels to maintain a healthy balance that suits the baby's evolving
needs. In sharp contrast, artificial milk cannot mimic the same benefits as
breast milk. This is because formula promotes different levels of stomach flora
in the bacterial ecosystem, which might not be in sync with the baby's
digestive needs. We are empowering the Sharjah community with all this
information, so that they can make an informed decision that benefits their
babies, their families and the wider emirate as a whole."
The
Sharjah Baby Friendly Emirate Campaign was initiated in March 2012 under the
generous patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Budoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi,
Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq),
President of the Campaign and Honorary President of the Breastfeeding Friends
Association.
The campaign encompasses four initiatives: Breastfeeding-Friendly
Nurseries, Mother and Baby-Friendly Public Places, Mother-Friendly Workplaces
and Baby-Friendly Health Facilities. The campaign is sponsored by Sharjah
Islamic Bank.
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