Nutritional Facts of Breast Milk: A Perfect Balance of Everything

Nutritional Facts of Breast Milk: A Perfect Balance of Everything

Health organizations around the world recommend breast milk as the ideal source of nutrition to support early life. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended by pediatricians for the first 6 months for your baby. Breast milk is composed of hundreds of macronutrients, micronutrients and bioactive molecules that are essential for the growth of your newborn.

Although infant formula also provides complete nutrition, it does not completely emulate the immune benefits of breast milk. Breast milk is not only a complete source of nutrition, but it also helps protect babies from falling sick because of the antibodies that get passed from mother to baby through milk.

Macronutrient Composition

Breast milk is basically composed of water, carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. Breast milk alone provides all water required by young babies for survival. The main carbohydrate present in breast milk is lactose. Lipids make up about 4% of breast milk, but provide over half of the calories required by your baby. It also contains fatty acids such as DHA which is needed for the development of your baby’s brain, nervous system and vision.

The proteins present in breast milk are easy on your baby’s tummy and are essential throughout every stage of lifecycle. For example, Lactoferrin is a form of protein present in the breast milk that moves iron through your baby’s body and protects your newborn’s intestines from infections.

Micronutrient Composition

Breast milk contains essential vitamins that are necessary for healthy vision, skin and bones. They are needed to prevent diseases caused due to vitamin deficiency including scurvy, rickets etc. Besides vitamins, breast milk is full of essential minerals including calcium, zinc, magnesium and iron. These are necessary to build strong bones, produce red blood cells and promote healthy nerve function.

Talk to your pediatrician to find out if there are any vitamin or calcium supplements you need to take to support breastfeeding.

Bioactive Components

These are unique components passed from mother to baby through breast milk. The primary antibody found in breast milk is Secretory Immunoglobulin (IgA) that coats the baby’s lungs and intestines creating a shield to prevent germs from entering the body and bloodstream. Several enzymes are also found in human breast milk that aid digestion by breaking down fats or proteins. Few enzymes found in breast milk also support the immune system.