NATURE, INFANTS, AND MOTHER'S MILK
If you were amazed over the infant cholesterol findings, this next topic blows the lid off any debate issues about the merits of breast-feeding versus bottle formula feeding. This can be summed up in one word: Oligosaccharides. or HMO for human milk oligosaccharides. Click on the term for easy reading about the critical value of infants getting these unique oligosaccharides only produced in human breast milk and their value to the health of the growing infant. ref ref ref ref ref
And this most interesting comparison between breast milk and bottle milk babies on developing Intestinal Microflora patterns. Another one here on bacteria types and delivery methods, etc.
Human Milk Enigma
Scientists analyzing human breast milk were dumbfounded to find this class of simple carbohydrates that the immature infant digestive tract was incapable of digesting. Why would Nature put oligosaccharides in breast milk if the infant could not digest them?
After years of research, Scientists finally made a significant discovery. The oligosaccharides were not essentially for the infant at first, they were there to feed and help bacteria grow in the infant's developing intestinal tract. After lactobacillus in the small intestines and bifidobacteria in the colon used the oligsaccharides to grow more numerous, the bacteria would breakdown these carbohydrates into forms that the infant body could absorb and utilize as simple sugars. While many different bifidobacteria were able to digest a few oligosaccharides, there was only one strain of this bacteria that was capable of 100% digestion of human milk oligosaccharides and that bacteria strain is Bifidobacterium Longum subsp. Infantis. ref ref
Heading for Extinction in Breast Milk
In the past, B. Infantis was the dominate strain in the intestinal tract of every infant born. In the U.S. today, it is found in only about 1 in 10 infants. Plus, it is also absent in most Mothers. This reduction was a gradual process over many generations. The causes for this decline are numerous; use of antibiotics, C-section births ref, low fiber diets, processed foods, bottle formula feeding ref, sterilization and sanitation procedures, etc.
Scientists are now conducting research to find out which if any of the numerous complaints present in infants might be related to the dissapearance of this vital bacteria strain; Gerd, colic, respiratory or digestive conditions, colds, allergies, ashma, skin rashes, obesity, even some cancers, etc. ref ref
Some of the oligosaccharides in human milk are unique to human mammary gland production and not found in cows milk. Plus, they cannot be made artificially yet, so no direct substitutes are available, but sources to mimic them are in the works to improve bottle formulas. ref Enter prebioitcs, GOS, FOS, Inulin, and Lactoferrin. Most are available as Supplements. ref ref
Supplements of B. Infantis appear to be mandatory at the moment. But, this will take perhaps a few generations to re-establish this necessary bacterium at levels necessary for widespread improvements in infant health. And perhaps some significant changes in current diets. Adults also benefit from this most valuable bacteria. Great references in this article, but caution, recommended products probably generate a kickback from a referral or affiliate program and may compromise choices offered. example
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