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Hindi Breastfeeding and Infant Immunity: A Lifelong Foundation for Health
*Corresponding Author: Dr. Anjali Menon, Department of Neonatology, Global Institute of ITR Child Health, India, Email: anjali_menon@gmail.comReceived Date: Mar 01, 2025 / Accepted Date: Mar 31, 2025 / Published Date: Mar 31, 2025
Citation: Anjali M (2025) Breastfeeding and Infant Immunity: A Lifelong Foundationfor Health. J Preg Child Health 12: 687.
Copyright: © 2025 Anjali M. This is an open-access article distributed under theterms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricteduse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author andsource are credited.
Abstract
Breastfeeding is a critical component in shaping the immunological foundation of infants, influencing not only immediate protection against infections but also long-term health outcomes. Human breast milk contains a rich array of immunologically active components such as secretory immunoglobulin a (sIgA), lactoferrin, oligosaccharides, cytokines, immune cells, and beneficial microbiota that work synergistically to protect the infant from pathogens. Moreover, breastfeeding fosters the development of the infant gut microbiome, supports mucosal immunity, and enhances the maturation of the immune system. Emphasis is placed on the biological, clinical, and epidemiological evidence that positions breastfeeding as a natural and powerful tool in strengthening infant immunity. Breastfeeding plays an indispensable role in shaping an infant’s immune system and laying the foundation for lifelong health. Human breast milk is not merely a source of nutrition it is a dynamic, bioactive substance rich in immunological components including immunoglobulins (especially IgA), cytokines, lactoferrin, oligosaccharides, leukocytes, and beneficial microbiota. These components help protect the neonate against infections, reduce inflammation, and modulate the development of the gut and immune system. Beyond the immediate protective effects against respiratory, gastrointestinal, and systemic infections, breastfeeding also imparts long-term benefits such as reduced risk of allergies, asthma, obesity, diabetes, and even certain autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases. The duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding are critical factors influencing the strength and longevity of these benefits. In the context of global health, promoting and supporting breastfeeding is a cost-effective strategy to improve child survival, health equity, and resistance to emerging diseases.
