Abstract
Mother's milk immunoglobulins (Igs) delivered to infants during breastfeeding are crucial in shaping and modulating immature infants' immune system and provide efficient protection against pathogens. The aim of the study was to evaluate the immunoglobulin concentrations in milk of 116 lactating mothers over prolonged lactation from the 1st to the 48th month using the ELISA method. The concentration of proteins, SIgA and IgG, but not IgM, showed a positive correlation (r = 0.69, p < 0.005; r = 0.54, p < 0.05; and r = 0.27, p < 0.05, respectively) with lactation from the 1st to the 48th month. The lowest concentrations of SIgA and IgG were observed for the first year (2.12 ± 0.62 g/L and 14.71 ± 6.18 mg/L, respectively) and the highest after the 2nd year of lactation (7.55 ± 7.16 g/L and 18.95 ± 6.76 mg/L, respectively). The IgM concentration remained stable during 2 years (2.81 ± 2.74 mg/L), but after 24 months it was higher (3.82 ± 3.05 mg/L), although not significantly. Moreover, negative correlations of protein (r = −0.24, p < 0.05) and SIgA (r = −0.47, p < 0.05) concentrations with the number of feedings were found. Human milk after the 2nd year of lactation contains significantly higher concentrations of protein, SIgA, and IgG. High concentration of immunoglobulins and protein during prolonged lactation is an additional argument to support breastfeeding even after introducing solid foods and should be one of the overarching goals in the protection of children's health.
Highlights
During breastfeeding, the mother’s milk delivers to the immunologically immature newborn and infant both elements of the immune system, namely, adaptive, and innate immune components
Milk samples were collected at the Regional Human Milk Bank in the Department of Neonatology located in the University Hospital (Wroclaw, Poland) between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m
During the first 3 months of life, the infant has at his disposal only maternal-derived immunoglobulins, delivered during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which are crucial for shaping and modulation of his immunity
Summary
The mother’s milk delivers to the immunologically immature newborn and infant both elements of the immune system, namely, adaptive, and innate immune components. In light of the cited information above, mother’s milk immunoglobulins are very important players in shaping and modulating the maturation of the newborn’s immune system and provide efficient protection against pathogens [5,6,7]. This phenomenon is relevant since, at an early stage of life, newborns do not yet produce their own repertoire of immunoglobulins [8] and use immunoglobulin G (IgG), which was transferred from the mother’s circulation through the placenta.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
