breast milk

human nutrition

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Last updated

July 22, 2026

Quick Summary

Human breast milk is a complete food for infants, providing essential nutrients, antibodies, and white blood cells. It offers superior nutritional, immunologic, and psychological benefits compared to formula. Breast milk protects the infant's gastrointestinal tract, leading to fewer infections. The mother's nutritional status is crucial during lactation, and factors like drugs or smoking can negatively impact the infant. Colostrum, the initial milk produced, is rich in nutrients and immune factors, offering newborns a complete diet and immediate protection against infections. Mature breast milk, produced after about two weeks, is essential for hydration and growth.123

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lactation
Composition and properties of milk
Human breast milk is superior to modified cow’s milk formulas, which may lack essential and beneficial components and are not absorbed as easily or as quickly by the infant. Maternal breast milk provides vitamins, minerals, protein, and anti-infectious factors; antibodies that protect the infant’s gastrointestinal…
Read More
Human breast milk is superior to modified cow’s milk formulas, which may lack essential and beneficial components and are not absorbed as easily or as quickly by the infant. Maternal breast milk provides vitamins, minerals, protein, and anti-infectious factors; antibodies that protect the infant’s gastrointestinal…
Read More