Breastmilk protects premature babies from a potentially deadly bacterial infection - so long as the milk contains a bacteria-binding antibody, a new study reveals.
Necrotizing entercolitis (NEC) is the second most common cause of death for premature babies, but mother's milk can protect them against it.
But some infants are born so early that their mother's breasts are not yet producing milk, so donor milk is often considered the next best choice.
Not all breastmilk is equal though.
In order to protect against NEC, it needs to contain the special bacteria-neutralizing antibody, and new University of Pittsburgh research suggests donor milk should be tested to ensure preterm babies bet the best protection possible.
Breastmilk contains an antibody that protects premature infants from a deadly gut disease caused by bacteria - but some mothers of very early babies can't yet feed. New research suggest donor milk is the best substitute, but it needs to be tested for Iga to protect babies
On the whole, nearly 10 percent of infants that are born early develop necrotizing entercolitis (NEC), a horrific disease cause by bacteria that leads to such serious inflammation that the wall of the bowel can get destroyed.
It's often fatal, but breastmilk contains antibodies that bind to the killer bacteria, neutralizing them and protecting the premature baby's gut.
The common mantra of neonatal healthcare is 'breast is best' - especially the mother's own breast.
It's been linked to all manner of benefits for newborns, but scientists are still in the process of working out what exactly in breastmilk is so protective, and why.
In the case of NEC, premature babies who are fed formula, rather than breastmilk, are at between two- and three-fold greater risk of developing the devastating disease.
Breastmilk from all mammals contains five groups of antibodies, called immunglobulins. Babies are born with only partially-developed immune systems, and these antibodies
